Wolvaardt’s record hundred seals series win for dominant Proteas

Laura Wolvaardt produced a record‑matching masterclass as South Africa overpowered Zimbabwe in the third T20I, clinching an unassailable 3–0 advantage in the five‑match series. The Proteas skipper hammered an unbeaten 126 from 62 balls, her fourth T20I century and eighteenth international hundred, drawing level with India’s Smriti Mandhana for the most tons in women’s cricket. Her innings, featuring sixteen fours and four sixes at a strike rate above 200, also set a new South African record for the highest individual T20I score, surpassing Shandre Fritz’s 116*.

Karabo Meso added a composed fifty to lift South Africa to 200/1. Zimbabwe’s reply faltered immediately, collapsing to 29/4 in the powerplay and then 35/6 as South Africa’s bowlers dominated. Leading the attack was Annerie Dercksen, who claimed a superb maiden five‑for with figures of 5/15. The combined brilliance of Wolvaardt and Dercksen ensured a commanding victory and complete control of the series.