Laura Wolvaardt scored her maiden century to lead the Proteas Women to a commanding 79-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 International (T20I) at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday night to take a 1-0 lead in the series Wolvaardt scored 102 runs from 63 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes) and had a 116-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp, who scored 60 runs from 40 deliveries (4 fours, 3 sixes). This helped South Africa achieve their second-highest T20I total of 198/5 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka faltered in response and was bowled out for 119 runs in 18.2 overs. Annerie Dercksen (2/15) and Tumi Sekhukhune (2/25) claimed two wickets each, securing the victory for the home side.
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat first, South Africa's opening pair of Tazmin Brits (15) and Wolvaardt made a quick start and reached 25/0 in the third over before Brits was dismissed by Inoshi Priyadharshani (1/25). However, Wolvaardt found a dependable partner in Kapp, and together they led South Africa to 55/1 after the powerplay.
South Africa sustained their momentum, reaching 80/1 at the halfway point, with Kapp and Wolvaardt strengthening their partnership. Wolvaardt attained her 11th T20I half-century during this period, while Kapp achieved her fourth fifty in the shortest format of the game.
The duo formed a 100-run partnership before Kapp was dismissed for 60 runs, ending the impressive stand. Wolvaardt then combined effectively with Suné Luus, who added 14 runs, to become only the third Proteas Women player to score a T20I century.
Despite the late dismissals of Wolvaardt, Luus, and Nadine de Klerk (1), South Africa ended their innings on 198-5.
South Africa made early inroads into the Sri Lankan batting line-up in their chase of 199 for victory. Kapp dismissed Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the first over, while Masabata Klaas (1/16) removed Vishmi Gunaratne (8) to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 28/2 after four overs.
However, a partnership between Hasini Perera (30) and Harshitha Samarawickrama provided some stability. By the end of the sixth over, Sri Lanka had reached 42/2. Wickets fell at regular intervals as South Africa continued to apply pressure.
Dercksen took her first international wicket by dismissing Samarawickrama, who had scored 38. Sekhukhune and Chloé Tryon (1/18) also made valuable contributions with the ball. In addition, two run-outs further dented Sri Lanka's hopes, and they were bowled out for 119 runs. As a result, South Africa won by a comprehensive 79 runs with 10 balls to spare.
The second T20I will take place on Saturday, 30th March at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, starting at 14h00.
Proteas Women's Squad for T20I Inbound Tour against Sri Lanka
Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso* (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Uncapped*