The T20I World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in women's cricket, featuring some of the best players from around the world. South Africa has always been a competitive team in the tournament, with several talented players making significant contributions over the years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest scores by South African players in Women's T20I World Cups. We will delve into the remarkable performances that have helped shape South Africa's success in the tournament.
1. Lizelle Lee Vs. Thailand
We start off this list with Lizelle Lee, who scored 101 runs against Thailand in the 2020 Women's T20I World Cup. With the help of sixteen fours and three sixes in her 60-ball inning, she guided South Africa to a total of 195 runs. Later, Thailand was bowled out for only 82 runs.
2. Dan van Niekerk Vs. Pakistan
Next up, we have Dan van Niekerk's unbeaten 90-run inning against Pakistan in the 2014 Women's T20I World Cup. Niekerk bagged thirteen fours and a single six in just 66 balls. With this inning, South Africa put up 163 runs on the board. Pakistan failed to chase down this target and lost by 44 runs.
3. Tazmin Britts Vs. England
On number three, we have Tazmin Brits' inning of 68 runs from 55 balls against England in the 2020 Women's T20I World Cup. While hitting six fours and two sixes in her inning, she guided the team to a total of 164 runs. In the second inning, England could score only 158 runs and lost by six runs.
4. Lizelle Lee Vs. Pakistan
On the fourth position, we have Lizelle Lee, who played an unbeaten inning of 67 runs in just 55 balls. Her inning consisted of eight fours and a single six. After putting up 163 runs on the board in the first inning, South Africa restricted Pakistan to only 119 runs and won the 2014 tournament match by 44 runs.
5. Laura Wolvaardt Vs. Bangladesh
Laura Wolvaardt stands in fifth position with her unbeaten knock of 66 runs from 56 balls. While playing against Bangladesh in the Women’s T20I World Cup of 2023, Laura hit seven fours and one six to chase down the opposition’s total of 113 runs and register a ten-wicket victory.
6. Sune Luus Vs. Thailand
Sune Luus takes away the fourth spot with her unbeaten inning of 61 runs. The knock came against Thailand in the 2020 Women's T20I World Cup. While smashing five fours and two sixes in her innings, she guided her team to a mammoth total of 195 runs. In reply, Thailand could score only 82 runs and lost by 113 runs.
7. Laura Wolvaardt Vs. Australia
Now, we have Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 61 runs in 48 balls against Australia in the 2020 Women's T20I World Cup. Studded with five fours and three sixes, her inning gave hope to the South African fans during the 156-run run-chase. However, she could not take her team to victory, and South Africa lost by 19 runs.
8. Shandre Fritz Vs. West Indies
The eighth position on this list belongs to Shandre Fritz, who put up 58 runs against West Indies in the 2010 tournament. Her inning comprised three fours and one six. After leaking 175 runs in the first inning, the South African batters could make only 158 runs, and thus, lost the match by 17 runs.
9. Cri-zelda Brits Vs. New Zealand
Moving ahead, we have Cri-zelda Brits, who played an unbeaten inning of 57 runs in 51 balls. During the 2009 Women’s T20I World Cup match against New Zealand, Brits hit five fours to help her team reach a total of 124 runs. However, this average target was easily chased down by the Kiwi batters with six wickets in hand.
10. Mignon du Preez Vs. Australia
Last but not least, we have Mignon du Preez, who scored 53 runs off 46 balls against Australia in the 2012 Women's T20I World Cup. While remaining not out in the end, Preez hit four fours and two sixes to lead the run chase. However, the target of 155 runs seemed too big as the Proteas women could make only 131 runs in their 20 overs.
