Tazmin Brits' Century Leads South Africa to Victory Over New Zealand in Women's Cricket World Cup

South Africa Stages Strong Comeback in Women’s Cricket World Cup

In a thrilling display of batting prowess, South Africa secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The Proteas showcased a remarkable turnaround after their earlier struggles, with Tazmin Brits leading the charge by scoring a century.

Brits scored an impressive 101 runs, including 15 fours and a six, as South Africa posted a total of 234-4 in 40.5 overs. This performance was a significant improvement from their previous game, where they were dismissed for just 69 against England. Sune Luus contributed with an unbeaten 83 off 114 balls, helping South Africa secure their first points of the tournament.

New Zealand's captain, Sophie Devine, was the standout performer for her team, scoring 85 runs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba played a crucial role in South Africa's bowling attack, taking 4-40 in 10 overs. Her performance marked her second-best career figures in a match.

“I'm glad we could pull off this win, and we definitely needed it after the first game,” said Brits, who was named player of the match. “I am trying to expand my batting a bit and be more positive. It's the first time I used this bat – it’s going to be my lucky bat from now on!”

South Africa, having climbed to fifth place in the standings due to an improved run-rate, will next face host India in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Meanwhile, New Zealand, which lost its opening game to Australia by 89 runs, will take on Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday.

Contrasting Innings

New Zealand started poorly, losing Suzie Bates on the first ball of the match when she was trapped lbw by Marizanne Kapp. Georgia Plimmer (31) formed a 44-run partnership with Melie Kerr (23), and later joined Devine for a 57-run stand. Devine, who had scored a century in the first game, reached 50 off 68 balls, forming an 86-run partnership with Brooke Halliday (45).

However, Mlaba returned for her second spell and turned the tide, causing New Zealand to lose seven wickets for just 44 runs, including two run-outs. She bowled Devine in the 45th over, securing the best figures for South Africa against New Zealand in tournament history.

Chasing a target of 232, Brits quickly reached 50 off 44 balls despite losing skipper Laura Wolvaardt for 14. She and Luus then set a record partnership of 159 for the second wicket, which stands as South Africa’s best in the tournament.

Having scored three centuries in her last four ODIs, Brits achieved her fifth century of 2025. She also surpassed Australia great Meg Lanning by scoring seven ODI hundreds in 41 innings, a milestone that took Lanning 44 innings to reach.

Luus took her time at the other end, reaching 50 off 76 balls. South Africa seemed poised for a big win until a slight stumble saw Brits bowled in the 32nd over. Kerr took two wickets as the Proteas slipped to 213-4. However, Luus ensured no further issues, hitting the winning runs with 55 balls to spare.