Wolvaardt played a true captains knock by hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes for her maiden T20 International ton and her sixth overall in all formats for South Africa.

She previously scored five centuries in One-Day Internationals.

Her 102-runs set up a 79-run victory for South Africa to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

She had been struggling with form with the bat this year, but she said this was a special innings.

“It's probably number one, just because it's a T20 hundred,” said Wolvaardt.

“It's a format that I've had to work hard at over the last couple of months. I think the timing of it was good, as I've had a frustrating few months and I didn't have the best tour to Australia.

“I've been over-hitting it a bit, and even on Tuesday in the nets I didn't have my best net session. I felt really frustrated and was just losing my shape.

“I was really happy with how calm I was out there, I kept my shape and was able to cash in to put up a big score.”

The second T20 International will be played on Saturday at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport