South Africa bounced back in style at the ICC Women’s World Cup as Tazmin Brits’ dazzling century inspired them to a commanding six-wicket win over New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Monday. The right-handed opener smashed 101 runs off 89 balls, including 15 fours and a six, leading South Africa’s successful chase of New Zealand’s 231-run total in just 40.5 overs.
Earlier, Suzie Bates marked her 350th international appearance, a record in women’s cricket but her celebration was short-lived as she was dismissed by Marizanne Kapp on the very first ball of the match.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was outstanding with the ball, taking 4 for 40 to restrict the White Ferns after captain Sophie Devine’s valiant 85 and Brooke Halliday’s 45 had given them a platform. However, a late collapse saw New Zealand lose seven wickets for just 44 runs.
Brits and Sune Luus then took control of the chase with a magnificent 159-run partnership for the second wicket, South Africa’s highest stand in a Women’s World Cup match. Luus remained unbeaten on 83 off 114 balls, guiding the team home after Brits was bowled late in the innings. The result was a huge morale boost for the Proteas, who had been dismissed for just 69 runs in their previous outing against England.
For New Zealand, the defeat compounded a disappointing start to the tournament following their earlier loss to Australia. Skipper Sophie Devine admitted that her side now faces an uphill battle.
The match also marked a symbolic passing of eras, Bates’ historic milestone overshadowed by Brits’ red-hot form, as the South African opener became the first batter to score five centuries in a calendar year in women’s ODIs.
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