Full Breakdown
Brazil's Laura Cardoso Sets Historic T20I Bowling Record
4/10/2026, 12:36:40 AM
Record-Breaking Performance
Brazil's Laura Cardoso has made cricket history by becoming the first player, male or female, to take nine wickets in a single T20 International innings. This remarkable feat occurred during Brazil's match against Lesotho at the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 International Tournament in Botswana on April 9, 2026. Cardoso achieved extraordinary bowling figures of 9 wickets for just 4 runs in 3 overs, leading Brazil to a commanding 189-run victory.
In the match, Brazil won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 202 runs. Key contributions came from wicketkeeper Monnike Machado, who scored 69 runs off 41 balls, and Roberta Avery, who added 48 runs off 35 balls. In response, Lesotho struggled significantly, being bowled out for a mere 13 runs in 6.2 overs.
Historic Milestones
Cardoso's performance included a hat-trick, with her first three wickets coming in the last three balls of her first over. She continued her dominance by taking four more wickets in her second over and two additional wickets in her third over. This achievement not only surpassed the previous T20I record of eight wickets held by Bhutan's Sonam Yeshey but also eclipsed the women's record of seven wickets held by Indonesia's Rohmalia Rohmalia.
Official Statements & Responses
Cricket Brazil's president, Roberta Moretti Avery, praised Cardoso's potential, stating, “I believe Laura can one day play at the elite level in England and Australia. She came through our grassroots programmes and is one of the greatest cricketers Brazil has produced.” The International Cricket Council (ICC) also recognized Cardoso's achievement, emphasizing its significance in the context of both men's and women's cricket.
Criticism & Opposition
While Cardoso's performance has been widely celebrated, some critics have pointed out that the match against Lesotho, which ended with the team scoring only 13 runs, raises questions about the competitive balance in the tournament. The disparity in skill levels among participating teams could diminish the significance of such records.
What's Next
Following this historic win, Brazil remains unbeaten in the tournament, having secured five consecutive victories. They are set to face Mozambique in their next match, where Cardoso's performance will be closely watched as she aims to build on her record-breaking achievement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cardoso delivered a sensational spell against Lesotho, finishing with extraordinary figures of 9/4 from her three overs, the best-ever bowling figures in T20I cricket.” — ICC Press Release
- “I believe Laura can one day play at the elite level in England and Australia. She came through our grassroots programmes and is one of the greatest cricketers Brazil has produced.” — Roberta Moretti Avery, President of Cricket Brazil
Laura Cardoso's unprecedented achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also marks a significant moment for Brazilian cricket, showcasing the potential of emerging cricketing nations.
