WOLVAARDT HISTORIC INNINGS

Laura Wolvaardt became the youngest centurion, male or female, for South Africa in international cricket. The 17-year old opener struck a match-winning 105 against Ireland Women to wrap up a 67-run victory in Malahide.

Wolvaardt’s innings began with consecutive fours against Lewis in the fourth over. She had nine boundaries by the time she raised her fifty – off only 51 balls. Her 13th hit to the fence took her to 99 in the 37th over and a couple the next time she got on strike gave her a maiden ODI century. She was 233 days younger than the previous South African record-holder, Johmari Logtenberg of the 2007 women’s team, and a full two years younger than Graeme Pollock when men’s international cricket is taken into account. In women’s cricket, only India’s Mithali Raj has made a hundred at a younger age.

Wolvaardt’s innings was part of an opening partnership that added 192 runs. From the other end, experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Trisha Chetty contributed with 95. With a total of 260 to defend, legspinner Sune Luus picked up her second five-for in three matches to leave the Irish women with very little chance. She took two of the first four wickets to fall leaving the score at 75 for 4. Isobel Joyce and Kim Garth struck half-centuries each, but their efforts barely mattered in a match South Africa dominated. Ireland were bowled out for 193, with six single-digit scores.

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