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27 March 21:42
RESULT
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt's maiden T20 century powered the Proteas women to a comfortable 79-run win against Sri Lanka in the opening T20 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday.
The Proteas lead the three-match T20I series 1-0, with the second T20 scheduled on Saturday in Potchefstroom.
The Proteas skipper scored a career-best 102 as South Africa posted a mammoth 198-5 after being sent to bat first.
Despite a short rain delay, Sri Lanka's run chase was always going to be difficult as they looked to chase a record team target.
Harshitha Samarawickrama showed signs of aggression with her 38, while Hasini Perera smashed an 18-ball 30 but the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bundled out for 119.
Annerie Dercksen picked up her first T20 wicket and ended on figures of two for 15, while Tumi Sekhukhune took two for 25.
However, it was Wolvaardt's day as she became the third South African woman to score a T20I century.
Wolvaardt joined Lizelle Lee (101) and Shandre Fritz (116*) as she scored her maiden T20I hundred.
Marizanne Kapp and Wolvaardt put on a glorious 116-run second-wicket stand to take the game away from the Sri Lankans early on.
Kapp brought up her fourth T20 half-century as she played a lovely knock of 60 off 40 balls (hitting four fours and three sixes) before she was caught off the bowling of Achini Kulasuriya.
Sune Luus, who became the Proteas women's most-capped T20I player, showed some aggressive signs before she was run out for 14.
Wolvaardt smashed 12 fours and three sixes to bring up her first T20I century off just 61 balls. However, the Proteas skipper departed shortly after reaching the milestone as she got an inside edge onto her stumps and was bowled by Kulasuriya (2/39).
Wolvaardt was given a massive ovation from the small Benoni crowd as she departed for 102 off 63.
Play on Saturday in Potch starts at 14:00.
Scores in brief:
South Africa 198-5 in 20 overs (Wolvaardt 102, Kapp 60, Kulasuriya 2/39, Priyadharshani 1/25)
Sri Lanka 119 all out in 18.2 overs (Samarawickrama 38, Perera 30, Dercksen 2/15, Sekhukhune 2/25)
The Proteas win by 79 runs
27 March 21:26
WICKET
Tumi Sekhukhune gets her second as she trapped LBW Inoshi Priyadharshani for one.
Priyadharshani attempts a cut but misses it completely and it hits her pads. It's an obvious LBW as it looks to hit the middle and Sri Lanka lose their eighth.
SL 113-8 after 16
Sri Lanka need 86 runs from 24 balls.
27 March 21:17
WICKETS!
Chloe Tryon gets in on the action as Nilakshika Silva chops the ball onto her wickets and has to walk back for 2.
Three balls later, Achini Kulasuriya has to depart after trying to run for a second, a good throw from Sekhukhune and Jafta clips the bails off. Replays showed that Kulasuriya would've been safe had she grounded her bat over the crease but instead departs for one.
The Proteas edging closer to victory...
SL 101-7 after 14
Sri Lanka need 98 runs from 36 balls.
27 March 21:10
MAIDEN WICKET
It was a see-saw over for Annerie Dercksen, who missed an easy run out but then redeemed herself by picking up her first T20I wicket.
The danger batter is out as Harshitha Samarawickrama flicks a wide delivery behind and Sinalo Jafta takes a good low catch!
Samarawickrama departs for 38 off 33 balls (hitting five fours).
SL 98-5 after 13
Sri Lanka need 101 runs from 42 balls.
27 March 21:01
WICKET!
Seamer Tumi Sekhukhune gets her first scalp of the evening as Kavisha Dilhari attempts to drive but it finds the top of the bat and the ball lobs in the air to a back-peddling Masabata Klaas at mid-off.
Dilhari walks back for 13 off nine balls.
SL 82-4 after 11
Sri Lanka need 117 from 54 balls.
27 March 20:57
10 overs left!
The Proteas are firmly in control after this wicket as the required run rate has jumped to 12.50.
At the same time, South Africa were 80-1, but at that moment, Sri Lanka couldn't stop a raging Wolvaardt and Kapp.
SL 74-3 after 10
Kavisha Dilhari 7*
Harshitha Samarawickrama 23*
Sri Lanka require 125 runs in 60 balls.
27 March 20:53
WICKET!
Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama have continued to pile on the runs after the rain delay, but Nadine de Klerk gets the breakthrough.
De Klerk comes into the attack and Perera advances and tries to go big but ends up finding Tazmin Brits in the deep, and the batter walks for 30 off 18 balls (hitting five fours).
A big wicket for the Proteas and once again puts the hosts firmly in control.
SL 61-3 after 9 overs
Samarawickrama 22*
Kavisha Dilhari 1*
27 March 20:13
RAIN DELAY
The Proteas have cut the run-rate to 6, but the required run rate has jumped to 11.
But what is this? Oh no, the umpires are calling for the covers as it seems there is passing shower in Benoni.
Hopefully, a short delay with rain stopping play.
SL 48-2 after 7
Samarawickrama 15*
Perera 19*
Sri Lanka need 151 runs in 78 balls.
27 March 20:01
Good news is that Sune Luus is back on the field!
However, it seems like the clouds have descended in Benoni and apparently duckworth lewis is something to keep an eye on... Let's hope the game continues without any interruptions!
Hasini Perera strikes three boundaries to get Sri Lanka back on track!
SL 38-2 after 5
Samarawickrama 11*
Perera 15*
27 March 19:54
WICKET!
A change in bowling works for the Proteas as Masabata Klaas strikes!
Klaas gets opener Vishmi Gunaratne to pull but the ball doesn't go the distance and Annerie Dercksen takes a comfortable catch at the fine leg boundary. Gunaratne walks back for eight.
SL 28-2 after 4
Samarawickrama 11*
Perera 5*
27 March 19:45
Oh no! Sune Luus dives awkwardly to try and stop a boundary but fails and she has now limped off the field...
Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba goes for eight runs in her opening over.
SL 11-1 after 2
Gunaratne 2*
Samarawickrama 7*
27 March 19:40
WICKET!
Is there anything Marizanne Kapp cannot do?
Kapp strikes early and bowls a beauty delivery as Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu gets a fine edge behind to Sinalo Jafta behind the stumps. Athapaththu departs for 1.
SL 3-1 after 1
Sri Lanka need 196 runs in 114 balls.
27 March 19:36
Sri Lanka run chase is on! The visitors will need to chase their highest T20 total... The current required run rate at the moment is 12.00.
Marizanne Kapp has the new ball!
27 March 19:28
INNINGS
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt's maiden T20I century saw the Proteas women post a competitive 198-5 against Sri Lanka in the first T20 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
After being sent to bat first, Wolvaardt formed the backbone of the Proteas' innings as she scored a career-best 102, becoming only the third South African to score a T20I century.
Opener Tazmin Brits started off strong with a quick 15 off 8 balls (hitting three fours), but her run ended early to bring the experienced Marizanne Kapp in at No 3.
Kapp and Wolvaardt put on a 116-run second-wicket stand to take the game away from the Sri Lankans.
Kapp brought up her fourth T20 half-century as she played a lovely knock of 60 off 40 balls (hitting four fours and three sixes) before she was caught off the bowling of Achini Kulasuriya.
Sune Luus, who became the Proteas women's most-capped T20I player, showed some aggressive signs before she was run out for 14.
Wolvaardt smashed 12 fours and three sixes to bring up her first T20I century off just 61 balls.
However, the Proteas skipper departed shortly after reaching the milestone as she got an inside edge onto her stumps and was bowled by Kulasuriya (2/39).
Wolvaardt was given a massive ovation from the small Benoni crowd as she departed for 102 off 63.
Scores in brief:
South Africa 198-5 in 20 overs (Wolvaardt 102, Kapp 60, Kulasuriya 2/39, Priyadharshani 1/25)
Sri Lanka need 199 runs to win
27 March 19:18
MAIDEN T20 CENTURY
Laura Wolvaardt makes history, becoming the third South African to score a T20I century as she hits a cover drive boundary to bring up the milestone off just 61 balls.
27 March 19:16
WICKET
Wolvaardt pushes for a single but the fielder does well to get the ball into the danger end and the keeper demolishes the bails.
Sune Luus departs for 14 off 9 balls. Chloe Tryon joins Wolvaardt in the middle.
SA 183-3 after 19
Wolvaardt 88*
Tryon 1*
27 March 19:12
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt has played a gem of an innings so far, she surpasses her highest T20I score of 72.
Wolvaardt continues to shoulder the Proteas' innings as Luus follows her leave with a massive six in the 18th.
Proteas going at 9.61 an over, how far can they take it?
SA 173-2 after 18
Wolvaardt 79*
Luus 13*
27 March 19:05
DROPPED and WICKET!
Wolvaardt is dropped on 62! Achini Kulasuriya is disappointed as Wolvaardt hits a high straight drive but doesn't clear the boundary but is dropped at long-on... They run a single
But Kulasuriya comes back with a short delivery and Marizanne Kapp skies it in the air and is caught safely by Nilakshika Silva at cover and the all-rounder departs for a well-played 60 off 40 balls (hitting four fours and three sixes).
The Proteas women's most-capped T20 player, Sune Luus joins her captain in the middle.
SA 146-2 after 16
Wolvaardt 67*
Luus 1*
27 March 18:59
Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp bring up their 100-run partnership!
Boundaries are flowing in front of an appreciated Willowmoore Park with some SA flags flying! They're scored 55 runs off the last five overs!
How far can this duo take the Proteas in the final five overs...
SA 135-1 after 15
Wolvaardt 62*
Kapp 55*
27 March 18:56
A KAPP FIFTY!
The reliable and consistent Kapp brings up her fourth T20I half-century as she turns up the heat! What a partnership from this SA duo! Proteas currently going at 8.52.
SA 123-1 after 14
Wolvaardt 53*
Kapp 52*
27 March 18:54
FIFTY!
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt continues her form from India to Benoni, bringing up her 11th T20I half-century off just 39 balls. Amazing stuff from the Proteas captain.
However, on the other end, Marizanne Kapp smashes two boundaries, including a straight drive maximum... and she moves into her 40s!
SA 115-1 after 13
Wolvaardt 51*
Kapp 45*
27 March 18:48
Laura Wolvaardt is two runs away from a well-deserved half-century, and will be on strike for the 13th over.
While the Sri Lankan bowling attack haven't got the breakthrough yet, their fielding has been good (despite the two dropped catches). However, how far can Wolvaardt and Kapp go?
SA 101-1 after 12
Wolvaardt 48*
Kapp 34*
27 March 18:40
Halfway mark in SA's innings!
It's been all South Africa so far with Sri Lanka missing out on several opportunities. Wolvaardt and Kapp have made the most of it and brought up another vital unbeaten fifty-run second-wicket partnership.
Skipper Wolvaardt moves into her 40s!
SA 80-1 after 10
Wolvaardt 40*
Kapp 23*
27 March 18:34
DROPPED!
Kapp goes for a big shot and the fielder is given plenty of time at the long-on boundary but she drops the ball! Kapp is given a reprieve as she moves to 20 not out.
SA 67-1 after 8
27 March 18:32
Wolvaardt and Kapp still going strong with the run-rate at 9.0, if SA carry on at this rate, they're projected to make 176. If they go at 8 an over, they're projected to make 167. A lot can still happen!
It'll be interesting to see how they answer to this Proteas dynamic batting duo.
This Sri Lanka's first time playing on this Benoni wicket.
SA 62-1 after 7
Wolvaardt 28*
Kapp 17*
27 March 18:24
Wolvaardt smashes back-to-back boundaries, which included a glorious one-handed SIX over the cover boundary as the Proteas pass the 50-run mark!
That concludes the powerplay as South Africa go at 9.16 an over.
SA 55-1 after 6
Wolvaardt 25*
Kapp 13*
27 March 18:17
Rebuilding
Achini Kulasuriya is introduced into the attack and only goes for three runs. After the fall of Brits, Wolvaardt and Kapp look to keep the scoreboard ticking away.
SA 32-1 after 4
Wolvaardt 15*
Kapp 5*
27 March 18:12
WICKET!
Seamer Chamari Athapaththu stops Brits' run as the Proteas opener gifts the cover fielder a simple catch.
Brits has to depart for 15 off 8 balls (hitting three fours) with star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, joining Wolvaardt.
SA 25-1 in 2.3
27 March 18:10
Proteas off to a flyer!
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt joins Brits' flurry with a picturesque cover drive. Brits races to 15 off just seven balls so far.
The Proteas are going at 11.07 an over, can they keep the momentum and put the Sri Lankan attack under more pressure?
SA 24-0 after 2
27 March 18:05
First over complete
Tazmin Brits doesn't need time to settle in as she smashes Athapaththu for two boundaries in the opening over, including a beautiful cut shot to get the hosts off to a solid start.
SA 12-0 after 1
27 March 18:02
27 March 17:40
TOSS:
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to BOWL in the first T20I against the Proteas Women in Benoni.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka and wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso are ruled out of the matchday squad due to illness.
Batter Sune Luus will make history by becoming the most-capped South African T20I female player.
SA starting XI:
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata Klaas
27 March 12:34
The Proteas women will hope to maintain their home streak, having not lost a T20I or ODI series in SA since February 2018.
27 March 12:30
27 March 12:27
Proteas women's squad against Sri Lanka:
Laura Wolvaardt (Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas (Titans), Suné Luus (Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Titans), Karabo Meso* (Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (Lions), Chloé Tryon (Lions)
*uncapped
