‘Outrageous’: Queenslander Laura Harris smashes fastest century in WNCL history

Queensland batter Laura Harris has shattered the all-time record for fastest WNCL century, reaching triple figures in blistering speed.

Laura Harris of Queensland. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

Queensland batter Laura Harris has shattered the all-time record for fastest WNCL century, reaching the milestone in just 50 deliveries against the ACT Meteors on Saturday afternoon.

The 32-year-old took advantage of Bill Pippen Oval’s short boundaries, smacking eight boundaries and eight sixes during the rain-affected contest on the Gold Coast.

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Queensland was 3/92 when Harris came to the crease in the 22nd over, combining with Fire teammate Mikayla Hinkley for a 127-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The powerful right-hander raced to her half-century, her fourth 50+ score in the WNCL, in just 23 deliveries before rain briefly paused her demolition.

Following the brief delay, Harris brought up her maiden WNCL century with a glorious six down the ground, celebrating the stunning feat by throwing her arms in the air and embracing Hinkley.

Laura Harris of Queensland celebrates her century. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

“I try not to look at the scoreboard as much as I can … because I just overthink it and then it all turns a bit silly,” Harris explained after the match.

“I actually didn’t even know that I had hit the hundred until I turned around and said to (Hinkley), ‘What was that they were clapping?’

“I’m a pretty chronic overthinker, but that comes with the game.”

The previous record for fastest WNCL century was held by Victoria’s Jess Duffin, who scored a 56-ball century against South Australia in November 2012.

Harris, one of the Brisbane Heat’s most destructive batters in the Women’s Big Bash League, previously boasted a career-best score of 65 in 50-over cricket.

Incredible. What a stunning knock from Laura Harris!

8 x 4s and 8 x 6s. #WNCLhttps://t.co/JZdFGwNUhg

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) October 1, 2022

Extraordinary display from Laura Harris! Smashes the fastest WNCL hundred from just 50 balls.#WNCL

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) October 1, 2022

Outrageous hitting from Laura Harris.. fifty off 23 balls #WNCL

— Laura Jolly (@JollyLauz18) October 1, 2022

Last month, Queensland coach Ashley Noffke predicted that a destructive knock from Harris was just around the corner.

“I think there’s a dangerous Laura Harris on the horizon for the opposition,” he told cricket.com.au.

“She did well against New South Wales and Victoria (in pre-season), which was really nice to see. And she proved her worth in the first round of Premier cricket last week, scoring 80 off 30 balls, so there’s a danger sign there for bowlers this season.”

Harris was eventually removed by Meteors young gun Carly Leeson for 101, helping Queensland register an imposing total of 4/270 from 47 overs before rain intervened once again.

Former Australia seamer Holly Ferling was the pick of the ACT bowlers with figures of 1/34 from nine overs, while Leeson claimed two wickets.

Hinkley finished unbeaten on 65 from 92 deliveries, a career-best in the WNCL.

Laura Harris of Queensland. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

Queensland ultimately won by 47 runs through the DLS Method, with Courtney Sippel and Grace Parson each taking two wickets during the run chase.

Earlier on Saturday, the ACT were deducted 0.5 match points on the WNCL ladder for slow over rates during last weekend’s match against Western Australia, falling one over behind the expected rate.

Meteors captain Katie Mack received one strike for the misdemeanour.

Originally published as ‘Outrageous’: Queenslander Laura Harris smashes fastest century in WNCL history