Laura Wolvaardt creates history with blistering 126, joins Smriti Mandhana at the top of Women’s century chart

Laura Wolvaardt produced a record-breaking batting masterclass to guide South Africa to another emphatic victory over Zimbabwe, but the Proteas captain’s stunning century also created a major milestone in women’s international cricket.Wolvaardt smashed an unbeaten 126 off just 62 balls in the third T20I, taking her tally to 18 international centuries and putting her level with India star Smriti Mandhana at the top of the women’s international century list.Wolvaardt matches Mandhana with blistering hundredThe South African skipper was in complete control from the outset, reaching her fourth T20I century with an extraordinary strike rate of 203.22. Her unbeaten 126 featured 16 fours and four sixes, as she tore apart the Zimbabwe bowling attack and propelled South Africa to 200/1.The century was Wolvaardt’s 18th across international cricket, allowing her to join Mandhana at the summit of the women's century chart. At just 27, Wolvaardt now has another major statistical milestone in her sights, with the battle between two of the modern era's premier women's batters becoming increasingly fascinating.South African record falls tooWolvaardt’s innings was not only significant because of the international record. The 27-year-old surpassed her previous best T20I score of 115 not out, which she had made against Ireland in December last year.She also broke the South African women’s record for the highest individual T20I score, going past Shandre Fritz’s unbeaten 116 against the Netherlands in 2010. It was therefore a night of multiple milestones for the Proteas captain, who was named Player of the Match for her extraordinary effort.Meso provides support as South Africa post 200Wolvaardt found an able partner in wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso, who remained unbeaten on 50 from 51 balls. The pair put on a commanding partnership to ensure South Africa reached 200/1, leaving Zimbabwe with a daunting task. However, the hosts' chase quickly fell apart.Zimbabwe lost four wickets during the powerplay and were soon reduced to 35/6, effectively ending any hopes of chasing down the massive target. Annerie Dercksen then put the finishing touches on a dominant South African performance by claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is.She returned stunning figures of 5/15, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120. Michelle Mavunga provided some resistance with a 23-ball 41, while Nyasha Gwanzura scored 28, but South Africa were always firmly in control.The Proteas eventually secured an 80-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.