Tazmin Brits 'thankful for the hundreds' as Proteas Women's ramp up World Cup preparation

Proteas women’s opener Tazmin Brits is grateful to have struck back-to-back centuries in the ongoing One-Day International series against Pakistan in Lahore.

Brits has been in red-hot form at the Gaddafi Stadium this week, registering two unbeaten tons in the opening ODIs. The right-hander’s purple patch is a timely boost ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup, with her ability to adapt to the slow, spin-friendly conditions of the subcontinent standing out.

The 34-year-old has blended patience with power, rotating the strike when Pakistan’s bowlers have been on top while punishing loose deliveries with boundaries. Her unbeaten 171 in the second ODI was her sixth century in 39 matches – a remarkable return considering she has only managed two fifties in her career.

Her opening partner and captain, Laura Wolvaardt, has also been among the runs, notching her ninth ODI hundred in Lahore on Friday. With both batters in form at the top of the order, the Proteas women look a formidable prospect heading into the World Cup.

Brits expressed gratitude for her fine form, while emphasising her happiness for Wolvaardt’s good form as well.

“I don't actually have words. I don't know if people call it form. I'm just thankful that I am getting the hundreds, and like I said, hopefully I can do that in the World Cup,” Brits said.

“I think for herself (Wolvaardt) as well as the opening batsman, and like you said, as a captain, I was very, very happy for her. I said to her, no matter what, you need to work for that hundred today. I think after she even just got a fifty, I could see in her face a bit of relief. So, I'm very, very proud of her.”

The side will play the third and final match of the series in Lahore on Monday, searching for a series sweep, having won the opening two matches of the series.

Brits highlighted that the team is looking to make improvements on the field, having dropped five catches in the second ODI on Friday.

“I mean, there's a reason why there's a phrase called ‘catches win matches’. I think our fielding definitely needs to up. I think it's just more based on catching. I don't want to say that we need to do more because we are actually putting a lot of work in when it comes to fielding,” said Brits.

“We're fielding at a very high intensity. I just think we maybe just need to be a bit more calmer and maybe just own our space a bit better to make sure that we take those catches in key moments.”

The third and final of the series is scheduled to start at 12.30 on Monday.