In a pulsating clash at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa’s Tazmin Brits lit up Indore with a blistering century, powering the Proteas to a six-wicket win over New Zealand. This emphatic response after an early defeat injects fresh momentum into their campaign and cements Brits’ status among world cricket’s elite.
A Tense Chase Turned Commanding
New Zealand, electing to bat first, posted 231 all out in 50 overs, anchored by skipper Sophie Devine’s 85 and contributions from Georgia Plimmer. South Africa’s bowlers struck at key junctures, with Nonkululeko Mlaba grabbing 4 / 40 to derail the Kiwi innings. ICC report
The Proteas, in reply, raced to their target of 232 in just 40.5 overs for the loss of four wickets. Brits’ masterful 101 off 89 balls, studded with 15 boundaries and a six, formed the innings’ backbone. Sune Luus’ unbeaten 83 guided the lower half home with calm assurance. SA Cricket Mag coverage
More than just a win, this result is a statement. Having been comprehensively beaten by England earlier, the Proteas have flipped the narrative, bolstering confidence and their net run rate in a hard-fought tournament.
Brits the Centurion: Rewriting Her Legacy
At 34, Tazmin Brits has long been a force, but this knock stands as a defining moment. It marks her seventh ODI century overall—and her fourth in just five appearances this year. Her trademark bow-and-arrow celebration lit up social media and embodied her warrior spirit.
Brits’ path from domestic stalwart to World Cup hero is one of perseverance. Her attacking strokeplay dismantled New Zealand’s attack with balance and power. As she reached the century mark, the Indore crowd erupted—mirroring celebrations back home, where Women’s World Cup fever grips stadiums and townships alike.
The numbers speak volumes. A strike rate of 113.48 in this innings underscores her evolution into one of women’s cricket’s most formidable batters. For young aspirants in townships, her exploits shine as a beacon, driving enrollment into female-oriented cricket programmes nationwide.
All-Round Threads: Legacy Meets Youth
While Brits dominated headlines, South Africa’s all-round strength remains the engine. Veteran Marizanne Kapp, perennially ranked among the top ICC Women’s ODI all-rounders, pulled off a no-look run out to shift momentum early in the contest. Her contributions with ball and bat underscore her enduring impact. ICC report
On the other end of the generational bridge is Annerie Dercksen, the 24-year-old rising star and 2024 ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Her seamless integration into the middle order and dependable bowling hint at the torch being passed, as she openly cites Kapp as a guiding influence. ICC feature
Sune Luus also played a pivotal role, anchoring the chase with her composed 83*. The trio of Kapp, Dercksen and Luus offers South Africa a versatile core—blending spin, seam and experience in a potent mix.
Nationwide Ecstasy: Braais, Tweets & Dreams
Back in South Africa, the reaction was instantaneous. In Durban, under starry skies, families gathered at braais around television sets, raising boerewors and glasses to celebrate Brits’ heroics. “It’s more than cricket—it’s our comeback,” one fan posted, capturing the national mood.
- Social Media Surge: #TazminBrits and #CWC25 trended globally, with tributes flooding timelines calling her a “World Cup hero.”
- Inspiring the Grassroots: Her knock has spiked interest in township cricket academies, especially female programmes under Cricket South Africa’s “Girls in the Game” initiative.
- Cultural Resonance: From Cape Town chants to Joburg dance routines, the victory threads into South Africa’s sporting identity—uplifting female athletes and elevating parity in the game.
This wasn’t merely a match won—it was a moment of cultural ignition, fusing sport with social uplift in the heart of women’s cricket.
Next Up: Proteas Poised, Eyes on History
With this momentum-laden triumph, South Africa now eyes a path toward the semis. Their balance of youth and experience, anchored by Brits’ consistency, is emerging as a genuine threat. Her century isn’t an outlier—it’s the new standard. As the tournament unfolds, anticipate more fireworks, more milestones and roaring support from a nation rallied behind green and gold.