New Zealand’s Sophie Devine scores 36-ball hundred, fastest-ever in women’s T20 cricket

Less than a month after being named in the ICC’s Women’s T20 Team of the Decade, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has made headlines again by smashing the fastest-ever Women’s T20 hundred with a 36-ball effort in the T20 Super Smash.

SkySports.com reports that Devine scored her record-breaking century while only recently out of a 14-day managed isolation, beating the previous record of 38 balls set by West Indies’ Deandra Dottin against South Africa in 2010.

Devine, 31, powered 108 not out from only 38 balls for Wellington Blaze against Otago Sparks with her innings containing nine sixes and as many fours.

Her knock also featured the fastest T20 century in New Zealand in either men’s or women’s cricket. Only nine men – including fellow New Zealander Martin Guptill, from 35 balls – have ever scored faster T20 hundreds than Devine.

Devine powered Blaze to a 10-wicket victory in just 8.4 overs after Sparks had posted 128-7 after electing to bat.

Also, in a tremendous show of class from the New Zealand captain, after hitting a six to bring up her world-record century, Devine chose not to celebrate, instead showing more concern for a young fan who had been struck by the ball. Devine would go straight over to check on the young girl and spend some time with her when the match concluded shortly after. [Video]

Original article: SkySports.com, 14 January 2021
Photo: @SuperSmashNZ