Tazmin Brits’ century helps South Africa secure win against Netherlands

By Rohan Gupta — 26 June 2026 — 3 min read

South Africa secured an 88-run victory against the Netherlands, largely due to a maiden T20I century from Tazmin Brits. This win keeps South Africa’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Brits remained unbeaten with 114 runs from 69 balls. Her performance was a key factor in the team’s success in Bristol. This result places additional pressure on India, who must defeat Australia to avoid elimination from the tournament. South Africa is also anticipated to win their final Group 1 match against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Brits’ Dominant Performance

Tazmin Brits’ first century in T20I cricket came in her 82nd appearance since 2018. She formed a significant opening partnership of 121 runs with captain Laura Wolvaardt, who contributed 45 runs. Brits also had an 87-run stand with Annerie Dercksen, who scored 37 runs.

Brits started strongly, scoring 37 runs within the Powerplay, which yielded 66 runs for her team. She reached her century in the 18th over, hitting a six over long-on. Her innings included 15 boundaries and three sixes overall.

With this century, Brits became the second South African woman to achieve 2,000 T20I runs, following her batting partner, Laura Wolvaardt. Her consistent scoring and aggressive play were central to South Africa’s high total.

Netherlands’ Chase and Bowling Efforts

The Netherlands began their chase with a strong 50-run Powerplay, featuring notable contributions from openers Phebe Molkenboer and Sanya Khurana. The team reached 100 runs for one wicket in the 15th over, with Sterre Kalis also contributing. However, their scoring rate subsequently declined, and they lost seven wickets for the final 20 runs.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was a key bowler, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. Shabnim Ismail, who returned from retirement for this tournament, claimed her 48th World Cup wicket, equalling the all-time record held by Australia’s Megan Schutt.

The Netherlands, making their debut in the tournament, had already been eliminated from semi-final contention after suffering three consecutive defeats. They experienced significant losses against India and Australia, by 95 and 98 runs respectively, following a six-wicket defeat to Bangladesh.

Tournament Implications and Team Standings

South Africa is currently positioned third in Group A, with four points from three games. They are trailing India on net run-rate. To secure a semi-final spot, South Africa needs substantial victories in their remaining matches against the Netherlands and Bangladesh, particularly if India wins their upcoming games.

Marizanne Kapp continues to be a crucial player for South Africa, having scored an unbeaten 81 runs from 45 deliveries in their previous match against India. The performance of both Marizanne Kapp and new-ball bowler Shabnim Ismail has been a positive for the Proteas.

The Netherlands’ captain, Babette de Leede, leads her team’s run-charts with 134 runs. However, the Dutch bowling unit faced a significant challenge against South Africa’s batting lineup. All matches of the tournament are being broadcast on Amazon’s Prime Video.

The South African squad includes Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, and Dane van Niekerk.

The Netherlands squad consists of Babette de Leede (c), Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, and Sterre Kalis.

South Africa commenced their tournament with a 65-run defeat against Australia.

Source: cricket.com.au

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter