Brazil’s Laura Cardoso delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in cricket history, claiming a record-breaking nine-wicket haul in a Women’s T20 International against Lesotho, as her side secured a dominant 189-run victory in Botswana.
The 21-year-old fast bowler finished with remarkable figures of 9 for 4 in just three overs, setting a new benchmark for the best bowling figures in both men’s and women’s T20 internationals.
The match, played during the Kalahari Women’s T20 International Tournament, saw Brazil post a commanding total of 202 for 8 after opting to bat first. Wicketkeeper Monnike Machado led the scoring with a brisk 69 off 41 deliveries, providing the platform for what would become a historic encounter.
Record-breaking spell stuns Lesotho
Cardoso’s spell began in dramatic fashion as she claimed a hat-trick in her first over, immediately putting Lesotho under pressure. She continued her dominance by taking five wickets in consecutive deliveries, an unprecedented feat in international cricket.
The Brazilian pacer maintained relentless accuracy and pace, dismantling Lesotho’s batting lineup almost single-handedly. She eventually took the first nine wickets of the innings, narrowly missing out on a perfect 10-wicket haul when a teammate claimed the final dismissal.
Lesotho were bowled out for just 13 runs in 6.2 overs, marking one of the lowest totals in T20 international cricket and sealing a comprehensive victory for Brazil.
Cardoso’s figures surpassed the previous overall T20I record of 8 for 7 held by Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey, while also eclipsing the women’s record of seven wickets in an innings.
The performance has not only elevated Cardoso’s status in world cricket but also highlighted the growing presence of Brazil in the sport. An associate member of the International Cricket Council, Brazil has been steadily developing its women’s program, with players like Cardoso emerging as key figures in its rise.
Cardoso, who has already taken 55 wickets in 48 T20 internationals, has now etched her name into the record books with a performance that experts say could stand for years.
Analysts note that such performances from emerging cricket nations reflect the expanding global footprint of the game, particularly in women’s cricket, where new teams are making rapid progress on the international stage.
For Brazil, the emphatic win and record-breaking display signal growing competitiveness, while for Cardoso, the achievement marks a defining moment in her career and a historic milestone for the sport.
