Laura Wolvaardt Sets Record with Fastest T20I Century for South Africa

In a remarkable performance, Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 115 runs off 56 balls, setting the record for the fastest T20I century by a South African woman. Her explosive innings helped South Africa secure a dominant victory over Ireland in the first T20I of the series. With this achievement, Wolvaardt joins an elite group of players with multiple T20I hundreds. Discover more about her incredible form and the match highlights in this detailed report.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 02:14 IST

Wolvaardt's Historic Performance in T20I Against Ireland

Cape Town [South Africa], December 5: In a stunning display of batting, Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa's women's cricket team scored an impressive unbeaten 115 runs off just 56 balls, marking the fastest T20I century by a South African woman. This remarkable feat propelled the home team to a formidable total of 220/2 in their innings during the first T20I of the three-match series against Ireland, according to reports from cricket analysts.

Batting first at Newlands, Wolvaardt reached her half-century in a mere 24 balls and completed her century in just 28 additional deliveries. Her innings included 15 boundaries and four sixes, showcasing her explosive batting skills. With this century, she joins an exclusive group of ten Full Member players who have achieved multiple T20I hundreds in women's cricket, having previously scored a century against Sri Lanka in 2024.

Providing strong support, Sune Luus contributed significantly with a score of 81 runs off 51 balls, helping South Africa achieve their highest-ever total in T20I history at 220/2. This score surpassed their previous record of 205/1, which was set against New Zealand in Potchefstroom back in 2010.

Wolvaardt, who was the leading run-scorer in this year's Women's ODI World Cup where South Africa finished as runners-up, has been in exceptional form. Her last five international innings have yielded scores of 90, 31, 169, 101, and 115*. Notably, her previous centuries were scored in the World Cup semifinal and final.

With her record-setting 52-ball century, Wolvaardt now holds the title for the fastest women's T20I hundred by a South African, surpassing Lizelle Lee's previous record of 59 balls against Thailand during the 2020 T20 World Cup. Globally, only 12 players have achieved this milestone faster, with the fastest ever being a 38-ball century by Deandra Dottin of the West Indies against South Africa in 2010.

In the match, South Africa triumphed over Ireland by 105 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the South African team set a daunting target of 220 runs. The Irish batting lineup struggled significantly, ultimately being bowled out for just 115 runs in 18 overs.