Laura Cardoso scripts history with record-breaking 9-wicket spell in T20Is

Brazil’s Laura Cardoso etched her name into the record books with a historic performance, becoming the first player in men’s or women’s T20I cricket to take nine wickets in a single innings. The remarkable feat came during Brazil’s clash against Lesotho, where Cardoso delivered a sensational spell, finishing with extraordinary figures of 9/4 in just three overs, now the best bowling figures in T20I history.

The previous record in T20Is was held by Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey, who had claimed eight wickets for seven runs against Myanmar in 2025. In women’s T20Is, Cardoso surpassed Indonesia’s Rohmalia Rohmalia, who had recorded figures of 7/0 against Mongolia in 2024.

Earlier in the match, Brazil Women posted a commanding total of 202 runs. The innings was powered by valuable contributions from Roberta Avery, who scored 48 off 35 balls, and Monnike Machado, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 41 deliveries. Their efforts ensured Brazil had a dominant platform heading into the second innings.

Cardoso’s magical spell began early when she struck in the second over, picking up a stunning hat-trick that immediately put Lesotho on the back foot. She continued her dominance in the fourth over, claiming four more wickets to take her tally to seven.

She then added two more wickets in the sixth over, reaching an unprecedented nine wickets in a single innings. The final wicket of the match was taken by Marianne Artur, as Lesotho Women were bowled out for just 13 runs in 6.2 overs. Brazil secured a massive 189-run victory in one of the most one-sided matches in T20I history.

Cardoso, who made her debut in 2021 against the USA, has now played 48 T20Is and picked up 55 wickets.

Best bowling figures in T20Is (Men’s and women’s combined)