Gaborone: Laura Cardoso etched her name in cricket history with a sensational spell of 9 wickets for just 4 runs, the best-ever bowling figures in T20 International cricket.

The Brazil fast bowler achieved the remarkable feat against Lesotho women’s cricket team during the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2.

A record-breaking performance

Cardoso became the first player in both men’s and women’s T20I history to claim nine wickets in a single innings, surpassing all previous records.

The earlier best was held by Sonam Yeshey, who took 8/7 in a men’s T20I in 2025.

In women’s cricket, Cardoso overtook Rohmalia Rohmalia, whose 7/0 in 2024 had stood as the benchmark.

How the historic spell unfolded

Cardoso’s incredible spell began early in the innings and quickly turned into a rout:

  • Picked up a hat-trick in her opening over
  • Added four more wickets in her second spell
  • Completed the record with two wickets in the sixth over

Her final figures of 9/4 in 3 overs left Lesotho reeling, as they were bowled out for just 13 runs in 6.2 overs.

The final wicket was claimed by Marianne Artur, sealing a massive 189-run victory for Brazil.

Brazil dominate with bat and ball

Earlier in the match, Brazil had posted a commanding total of 202 runs, thanks to:

  • Roberta Avery (48 off 35)
  • Monnike Machado (69* off 41)

The strong batting performance set the stage for Cardoso’s historic bowling display.

Continued dominance in the tournament

Brazil have been in outstanding form throughout the competition.

In a previous match against Zambia women’s cricket team, they secured a dominant 174-run victory.

Cardoso contributed with both bat and ball, while:

  • Laura Agatha scored 62
  • Maria Ribeiro picked up a five-wicket haul

Zambia were bowled out for just 26, underlining Brazil’s all-round strength.

A historic milestone

Laura Cardoso’s extraordinary 9/4 not only sets a new global benchmark in T20I cricket but also highlights the rapid growth and competitiveness of emerging cricketing nations.

Conclusion

With record-breaking performances and dominant displays, Brazil have emerged as a formidable force in the tournament. Cardoso’s historic spell will be remembered as one of the greatest bowling performances ever seen in T20 cricket.