Mel Jones has made a bold prediction that the fastest T20I century record will be broken in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

The current world record for the fastest T20I century in women’s cricket is held by Deandra Dottin for getting to three figures in just 38 balls against South Africa Women back in 2010.

Former Australian cricketer Mel Jones, who is a part of the commentary team for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, has predicted that New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine will break that record in this tournament.

Jones said on The Unplayable Podcast, “My bold prediction is that Deandra Dottin's 38-ball hundred might just go this World Cup and if it does I think it will be Sophie Devine. There is no ground big enough for her and she's the leading wicket-taker in T20s with the ball for New Zealand as well. She has just this presence, she's the captain now so I think definitely her from New Zealand (is one to watch).”

Devine scored her maiden T20I century around a week ago off just 65 balls and peaked in her purple patch. Even if she doesn’t break Dottin’s record, the 30-year-old is definitely one to watch out for in the tournament.

“Yes, you've got big X-factor players like an Ash Gardner coming in and just bombing sixes left, right and center and that might get you over the line but it might be a four-ball spell somewhere in the middle that changes the game,” Jones said about Devine’s bowling.

“Fielding, as always, is critical - if you don't bring you're A-game there you won't get through. I think you can look back over it and say the little moments in games right throughout where someone in the team put their hand up and won it and collectively that will get them over the line,” she added.

(With inputs from IANS)