South Africa Women made a strong statement in the opening T20I of their series against Ireland, posting a massive 220/2 in their allotted 20 overs. Ireland’s chase faltered early, and despite a late fightback, they were bowled out for just 115 runs, handing South Africa a comfortable 105-run victory. The match saw an outstanding individual performance from Laura Wolvaardt, who starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 115* from just 56 balls, and also contributed with two catches in the field.
Laura Wolvaardt and Luus propel South Africa to massive total
South Africa’s innings was built around Wolvaardt’s scintillating knock. Batting at the top, Wolvaardt anchored the innings, striking 15 boundaries and four sixes, maintaining an astonishing strike rate of 205.35. She was well-supported by Sune Luus, who made a rapid 81 off 51 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six, putting the Irish bowlers under relentless pressure. The pair added a partnership of 176 runs for the second wicket, with Luus falling in the 18th over, but Wolvaardt’s unbeaten knock ensured South Africa finished strongly at 220/2. Ireland’s bowlers struggled, with Jane Maguire and Ava Canning both conceding over 9 runs per over, while Brydon Carse was the most expensive, going for 113 in 17 overs.
Ireland’s response falls short despite early resistance
Ireland’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers for just 2 runs. Amy Hunter fell for 1, and Orla Prendergast followed soon after, dismissed for just 2. Gaby Lewis (30), Leah Paul (34) and Laura Delany (13) all got starts but failed to convert, as South Africa’s bowlers applied consistent pressure. Luus was the standout for South Africa, picking up 4 wickets for just 22 runs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon also took crucial wickets in the middle overs. The Irish middle and lower order crumbled, with their chase falling apart by the 17th over, as they were bowled out for 115, handing South Africa a dominant 105-run victory.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Class. Consistency. LAURA WOLVAARDT. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/PRukmrdV7N
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 5, 2025
I don’t think women’s cricket has ever seen a batter as talented as Laura Wolvaardt in its history. 🔥💫🙌 pic.twitter.com/uCcapSMek3
— ∆мαx🧋 (@MarkramBot) December 5, 2025
A century for the ages! 💯
Laura Wolvaardt produces an extraordinary hundred, leading from the front in spectacular fashion. 🇿🇦🙌
Officially the fastest T20I century by any South African Women’s player! ✨️#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/3j3xg47pH0
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 5, 2025
Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt#cricket #SAvIRE #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/fEnuVqbFTx
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 6, 2025
220
– The highest ever total for the Proteas Women
– Laura Wolvaardt with her highest T20I score (115* off only 56)
– 3rd highest total between Women’s full member nations pic.twitter.com/rlv10QwBZw— Werner (@Werries_) December 5, 2025
Proper T20I hundred that from Laura Wolvaardt. 52 balls at 192 strike rate. Super hitting.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) December 5, 2025
An old captain returns to spark a win
The young current captain is showing the team is on the right pathHugs between Dane van Nierkerk and Laura Wolvaardt as the latter completes a sensational ton. She just can’t stop scoring, Wolfie! #SAvIRE pic.twitter.com/zgCbFLScBK
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) December 5, 2025
A statement win from @ProteasWomenCSA in the 1st T20I vs Ireland today. Laura Wolvaardt is batting like she’s unlocked a new cheat code, Sune Luus is shining with both bat and ball, and, best of all, Dane van Niekerk is back in the mix. Exciting times!
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) December 5, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt scored brisk hundred..
115 runs from just 56 balls .. well played..
Delhi Capitals is blessed to have her ..— ¥0 m@n! (@maniwinz) December 5, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt delivers a sensational hundred, leading from the front in style. 🇿🇦🙌
Her 52-ball hundred is now the fastest-ever T20I century by a South African woman! 💯
#
— Ｓ𝖚𝖒𝖎𝖙 (@Sumit_ydvv07) December 5, 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
