In a remarkable and unprecedented achievement, Brazilian cricketer Laura Cardoso has etched her name into the record books by taking nine wickets in a single Twenty20 International innings—an extraordinary feat never before accomplished in either men’s or women’s cricket.
The 21-year-old all-rounder, representing the Brazil women’s national cricket team, delivered a spell of astonishing precision and dominance during a match against the Lesotho women’s national cricket team at the Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament held in Botswana. Her final bowling figures—three overs, two maidens, four runs conceded, and nine wickets—(3-2-4-9) represent a new global benchmark in the shortest format of the game.
Adding further brilliance to her performance, Cardoso also claimed a hat-trick during the innings, dismantling the Lesotho batting line-up with a combination of disciplined line, subtle variation, and relentless accuracy. Her spell effectively decided the contest, leaving the opposition with no opportunity to recover.
Record-Breaking Bowling Figures Comparison
| Player | Team | Opponent | Figures | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Cardoso | Brazil | Lesotho | 3-2-4-9 | 2026 |
| Sonam Yeshei | Bhutan | Myanmar | 4-0-7-8 | 2025 |
| Rohmalia Rohmalia | Indonesia | Mongolia | 4-0-0-7 | 2024 |
Prior to this historic performance, the best bowling figures in T20 International cricket were held by Sonam Yeshei, who claimed eight wickets for just seven runs against Myanmar in 2025. In women’s cricket, the record had belonged to Rohmalia Rohmalia, who produced an extraordinary spell of seven wickets without conceding a run against Mongolia in April 2024. Cardoso has now surpassed both milestones in emphatic fashion, setting a new standard that may stand for years to come.
The achievement is particularly significant given Brazil’s emerging status in global cricket. Traditionally recognised as a footballing nation, Brazil has been steadily developing its cricketing infrastructure and international presence. Performances such as Cardoso’s not only bring attention to the sport within the country but also highlight the growing competitiveness of associate nations on the global stage.
Cardoso’s rise has been swift and impressive. At just 21, she has already demonstrated the composure and skill of a seasoned international player. Her ability to exploit conditions, maintain consistency, and deliver under pressure marks her as one of the most promising young talents in women’s cricket.
Beyond individual accolades, the victory has strengthened Brazil’s position in the tournament. The team have now won all five of their group-stage matches, maintaining an unbeaten record and sitting comfortably at the top of the standings.
Brazil’s Group Stage Performance
| Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 1st | Unbeaten |
This dominant run reflects a well-balanced side combining emerging talent with disciplined execution. Cardoso’s historic spell serves as both a highlight and a symbol of Brazil’s upward trajectory in international cricket.
As the tournament progresses, attention will undoubtedly remain fixed on Cardoso and her teammates. While records are meant to be broken, a nine-wicket haul in a T20 international represents a level of excellence rarely witnessed in the sport.
For Brazil, this moment is more than a statistical milestone—it is a statement of intent, signalling their growing ambition and capability on the world cricket stage.