Brazil women’s cricket all-rounder Laura Cardoso created history by becoming the first player in men’s or women’s T20 International cricket to take nine wickets in a single innings. Her extraordinary performance came during a match against Lesotho, leading Brazil to a dominant victory.
Record-breaking bowling performance
Cardoso delivered a sensational spell, taking nine wickets for just four runs in three overs. Her figures of 3-2-4-9 now stand as the best bowling performance ever recorded in T20I cricket.
This remarkable feat surpasses the previous overall T20I record held by Sonam Yeshey, who had taken eight wickets for seven runs against Myanmar in 2025.
Cardoso also eclipsed the women’s T20I record set by Rohmalia Rohmalia, who had claimed seven wickets without conceding a run against Mongolia in 2024.
Match-winning impact
Brazil secured a massive 189-run victory, with Cardoso’s spell dismantling the Lesotho batting line-up. The opposition was bowled out for just 13 runs in 6.2 overs, unable to withstand her relentless accuracy and control.
Her performance not only sealed the match but also set a new benchmark for bowling excellence in the shortest format of the game.
Hat-trick and dominant spell
Cardoso made an immediate impact, striking in her very first over. She clean bowled Kananelo Molapo before trapping Boitumelo Tlali and Kananelo Mabitle leg-before-wicket to complete a hat-trick.
Her dominance continued in her second over, where she picked up four wickets without conceding a run, removing Makopano Mabathoana, Tshepang Khabo, Maneo Nyabela and Thato Mahe.
She wrapped up her spell with two more wickets, completing an unprecedented nine-wicket haul in just three overs.
Strong batting sets the stage
Earlier in the match, Brazil posted a formidable total of 202 runs. Roberta Avery contributed 48 runs off 35 balls, while Monnike Machado remained unbeaten on 69 from 41 deliveries.
The strong batting performance provided the perfect platform for Cardoso to dominate with the ball.
New benchmark in T20I cricket
Cardoso’s achievement has set a new global standard in T20I cricket, highlighting the growing competitiveness of emerging cricket nations like Brazil.
Her record-breaking spell is likely to stand as one of the most extraordinary performances in the history of the format.
Conclusion
Laura Cardoso’s historic nine-wicket haul not only secured a commanding win for Brazil but also etched her name in cricket history. The performance underscores the expanding reach of the sport and showcases the rising talent in international women’s cricket.
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