Big-hitting teenager Deandra Dottin did not just create history by becoming the first woman to score a century in Twenty20 cricket when she put South Africa's bowlers to sword, she also did the International Cricket Concil a huge favour.
Only a couple of days ago ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat spoke about how important the women's game was to world cricket, but no-one quite took him seriously.
“Women's cricket is the fastest growing sector for us (ICC). Last year's T20 WC was a great success. I would say that women's cricket has taken off from there. The standards are improving as well,” Lorgat had said.
“We have integrated women's cricket as part of our system. Things are going according to our plans.”
Things went better than planned as Dottin smashed 9 sixes and 7 fours in her whirlwind knock. Her first 50 came off only 25 balls, but the second was even more impressive, taking just 13 balls.
"It feels really good to be the first woman to make a century in Twenty20 cricket and this record and win mean a lot," Dottin said soon after. "I am happy I did it for the team when we needed it most. People have been telling us that teams like Pakistan and Australia are two of the favourites to win. However, we proved that we are here to win the cup in the Caribbean."
Dottin has cricketing pedigree, her cousin Ottis Gibson bowled mediumpace for the West Indies men's team and has since become a successful coach and has worked with high profile teams including England. Dottin, who is only 18, is also a keen athlete, competing in javelin, shot put and discus throws events.
{{/usCountry}}Dottin has cricketing pedigree, her cousin Ottis Gibson bowled mediumpace for the West Indies men's team and has since become a successful coach and has worked with high profile teams including England. Dottin, who is only 18, is also a keen athlete, competing in javelin, shot put and discus throws events.
{{/usCountry}}Aussie women stun England
Defending champions, England, lost their Women’s World Twenty20 Group A opener to Australia on boundary countback after the match had finished in a tie in Basseterre. Opener Sarah Taylor struck 46 from 44 balls. However, England stumbled to 104 all out from 17.3 overs. Offie Lisa Sthalekar picked three for 29 from four overs, winning the player-of-the-match award. England looked to have their opponents on the ropes at 63 for seven, but a late burst from Sthalekar (10), Alyssa Healy (15) and Rene Farrell (13) saw them match England's total.
England 104 in 17.3 overs (Taylor 46, Sthalekar 3/29); Australia 104 in 19.4 overs (Poulton 23)