Brits blitz carries Proteas to 88-run rout of Netherlands

By Razeen Gutta

Tazmin Brits delivered a masterclass in Bristol on Thursday, smashing an unbeaten 114 to power the Proteas Women to an 88-run win over the Netherlands in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Batting first after the Dutch won the toss, South Africa posted 208-1, their first 200+ total at a T20 World Cup.

Brits carried her bat through the innings, hitting 15 fours and three sixes from 69 balls for the tournament’s highest score so far.

She and captain Laura Wolvaardt laid the foundation with a 121-run opening stand in 13.3 overs, including a record Proteas powerplay of 66.

Wolvaardt chipped in with 45 off 36 before falling to Hannah Landheer.

Brits then added an unbroken 87 with Annerie Dercksen, who exploded for 37 off 16 with two sixes, as 82 runs came off the last six overs. Dutch spinner Caroline de Lange was the pick of the bowlers with 0-22 but luck deserted her.

The Netherlands fought hard early, with Phoebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36) putting on 58 for the first wicket and reaching 100-1 in the 15th over.

But the Proteas spinners tightened the screws. Chloe Tryon took 2-16, and Ayabonga Khaka claimed 3-19 including three wickets in the final over as the Dutch collapsed to 120-8.

The big win boosts South Africa’s net run rate, which will be crucial if they beat Bangladesh and India get over that line against Australia in the final group games.

Pictured above: Proteas

Source: @proteaswomencsa