Brits Responds After Difficult India Chase
Tazmin Brits admitted she wanted to show more intent after feeling she had let South Africa down during the powerplay against India. Four days later, she responded with the first T20I century of her career, smashing 114 off 69 balls against the Netherlands in a must-win Women’s T20 World Cup clash.
Brits had struggled early in South Africa’s chase against India, scoring 40 in a match-winning stand with Marizanne Kapp but feeling she had not started strongly enough.
“Today I just wanted to show a bit more intent,” Brits said after her century.
Century Built on Controlled Acceleration
Brits began carefully as she assessed the Netherlands attack, having never faced their bowlers before. Once settled, she expanded her range, scoring heavily in front of square and punishing anything loose.
Her fifty came from 36 balls, but her next 64 runs came from only 33 deliveries. Alongside Annerie Dercksen, she helped South Africa score 82 runs in the final six overs and reach 208 for 1.
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Brits said coach Mandla Mashimbyi made the message clear. “After I think like the second drinks’ break, he came in and he said ‘now sixes need to fly’. So thank goodness Dercky came in there as well to help me with that.”
Trusting the Team Plan
Brits has experienced uncertainty during the tournament after losing her regular opening position and missing South Africa’s first two matches. Although she looked most comfortable back at the top of the order, she said the team remains the priority.
“Our coach, he’s got his own little tricks and they seem to be working. We just trust the process. At the end of the day, it’s not the XI that defines us, it’s the 15,” she said.
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Faith Behind the Celebration
Brits marked her century with a sign-language celebration meaning “I am grateful to God”. She said her journey has included many ups and downs, but her belief remains strong.
“I feel my story’s already written. All I have to do is show up,” she said.
Brits added that she hopes to keep contributing to South Africa’s push for a World Cup title.
“I always like to think that somewhere along the line I’ll be able to help this team win a World Cup,” she said.
South Africa Still Need Results to Go Their Way
South Africa now face Bangladesh at Lord’s in their final group match. They must win and then wait for the result of Australia against India.
For South Africa to reach the semi-finals, Australia need to beat India. Asked if she would be supporting Australia, Brits leaned forward and replied: “Indeed.”
