Wolvaardt leads Proteas women to historic win over Australia to level T20 series

A stunning unbeaten fifty from captain Laura Wolvaardt led the Proteas women to a historic victory over Australia in the second T20  at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday.

The six-wicket victory marked South Africa's first-ever win against Australia across all formats.

Chasing 143 to win, the Proteas got off to a stellar start thanks to a 75-run opening stand between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.

Brits scored 41 off 28 balls (hitting eight fours) before falling to Tahlia McGrath (1/16) in the 10th over.

Needing 68 runs for a historic triumph, experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp (20) joined Wolvaardt for a quick 34-run stand before Kapp lost her wicket to Ashleigh Gardner with South Africa at 109/2.

Wolvaardt stood firm as she brought up her 10th T20I half-century as she remained unbeaten on 58 off 53 balls (hitting six fours).

All-rounder Chloé Tryon (4*) hit the winning runs to secure the historic win for South Africa and level the three-match series 1-1.

Determination!

The Proteas Women register their biggest win Down Under ????????

All to play for in the final T20I ??#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #AUSWvSAW pic.twitter.com/eBWjUf2uBw

Earlier on after deciding to bat first, opener Beth Mooney survived two dropped catches before she was run out for 13.

It was a superb bowling performance from the Proteas as Australia couldn't settle in and wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

Masabata Klaas took two for 16 as she struck first by dismissing captain Alyssa Healy (29). South Africa picked up three quick wickets to transfer the pressure back onto the hosts as Nonkululeko Mlaba's (1/18), Marizanne Kapp (1/22) and Klaas left the hosts reeling at 93/5.

All-rounder Nadine de Klerk (1/24) removed Ashleigh Gardner (10) before Australia