Laura Cardoso of Brazil Makes History with Unprecedented 9-Wicket Haul in T20I
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gaborone, April 9 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking display of bowling, Brazil’s Laura Cardoso has made history in T20I cricket by achieving the best bowling figures recorded in this format during the BCA Kalahari Women's T20I Tournament 2026. The Brazilian captain achieved a phenomenal 9/4 in just three overs against Lesotho, marking her as the first player in both men’s and women’s T20Is to secure nine wickets in a single innings.
The former record in men’s T20Is was held by Sonam Yeshey, who took 8/7 against Myanmar in 2025, while in the women’s category, the previous benchmark was set by Rohmalia Rohmalia with 7/0 against Mongolia in 2024. Cardoso's outstanding performance will be etched in the annals of T20I cricket.
Her incredible spell kicked off with a hat-trick in her second over, establishing Brazil's supremacy early on. She continued to dominate, claiming four additional wickets in her next over, reaching a total of seven before completing her unmatched nine-wicket haul in the third over. Lesotho’s innings crumbled to just 13 runs in 6.2 overs, with Marianne Artur taking the only wicket not accounted for by Cardoso, sealing a staggering 189-run victory for Brazil.
Earlier in the match, Brazil had set a commanding total of 202 runs, thanks to significant contributions from Roberta Avery, who scored 48 off 35 balls, and Monnike Machado, who finished not out with 69 off 41 deliveries.
Brazil has showcased remarkable strength throughout the tournament. In a prior match, they dominated Zambia Women by 174 runs in a comprehensive display. Cardoso was instrumental, scoring a quickfire half-century, while Laura Agatha added 62 runs, forming a vital 105-run partnership that propelled the team to 200/5.
Zambia's response faltered early, leading to their collapse for just 26 runs in 15.1 overs. Maria Ribeiro shone with a five-wicket haul, and Cardoso contributed with three wickets, effectively dismantling the batting order.
With impressive performances in both batting and bowling, Brazil has established itself as a formidable contender in the tournament.