Redemption for the Proteas as Brits stars in six-wicket win

South Africa’s Tazmin Brits admitted that the stinging loss to England earlier in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup “didn’t sit well” with her — but the opener responded in emphatic fashion against New Zealand, steering the Proteas to a six-wicket victory in Indore.

“(The loss) didn’t sit well with me,” Brits said. “I didn’t even want to eat that night, and I overthought the process completely. But yeah, we put that in the past as quick as possible, and we said, we’ve got to move on to the next game.”

That determination showed from the start. Chasing 232 for victory, South Africa made light work of the target, finishing on 232/4 in 40.5 overs. Brits struck a superb 101 off 89 balls, reaching her fifth ODI century of the year and becoming the first woman to achieve that feat within a single calendar year.

When asked about her purple patch, Brits credited simple hard work and refinement. “Nothing very different,” she said. “I’ve just tried to expand my shot selection a bit more, and I’ve been working very hard on that.”

Bowlers lay the platform

The Proteas’ victory was built on the foundation laid by their bowlers, who restricted the White Ferns to 231 despite a promising start. Nonkululeko Mlaba was outstanding, claiming 4/40 and dismissing New Zealand captain Sophie Devine for 85 just as she looked set for a bigger score.

New Zealand had been 187/4 at one point but lost momentum late in the innings as wickets fell regularly. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon all chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring the White Ferns finished below par.

Brits said she felt the total gave South Africa an advantage. “I think it was a batting wicket,” she explained. “So, I think they were actually a bit short of runs. I definitely think maybe a 280 would have worked. I think it's a good wicket. I think in the beginning, it was a bit more tacky, but I think our bowlers executed very, very well. I think they bowled great line and lengths and they put the pressure on.”

A record stand seals it

After losing Laura Wolvaardt early, Brits and Sune Luus steadied the innings with a commanding 159-run partnership for the second wicket. Luus finished unbeaten on 83, guiding the team home with composure after Brits’ dismissal.

For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr picked up two late wickets, removing Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp, while Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu each claimed one. But their efforts weren’t enough to stop a confident South African chase that showed poise, patience, and purpose after the heavy defeat in their opener.

New Zealand left searching for answers

New Zealand’s Brooke Halliday, who made 45 from 37 balls, admitted her side fell short with the ball. “I think we probably overpitched a little bit, which made it a little bit easy for the South Africans to actually get in – and once you get in, I found it actually got a lot easier,” she said.

She added that her team will regroup quickly with five matches still to come. “It’s just those first 10–20 balls for a new batter that are actually key. If we can’t execute our length and our line, it does help them. We’ll review today’s game and look into the next one against Bangladesh.

“The perks of the quick turnaround means that we can’t dwell on today too much. But I guess the biggest thing for us is that two games down, but there are still five games to go. If we win the next five, we’re a very good chance of making that semi-final. It’s not a great start, but it’s a long tournament to go.”

Back on track

For South Africa, the win has put them on the board in the World Cup standings as well as restoring confidence after their shaky start. 

And this is a good thing, because with both the batting and bowling firing in tandem, the Proteas showed why they remain a serious contender. In addition to this, the other teams in the competition must be scratching their heads wondering what they can do to contain the beautifully belligerent Tazmin Brits.