Celebrate Tazmin Brits’ remarkable fifth ton in 2025 as the Proteas triumph over New Zealand. Explore the key moments and player performances from the match.
Tazmin Brits Seals Record-Breaking Year
Tazmin Brits continued her extraordinary run of form in 2025, smashing her fifth century of the year to guide South Africa Women to a dominant six-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup clash at Holkar Stadium, Indore. The right-handed opener’s flawless 101, supported by an equally authoritative 83 from skipper Sune Luus, ensured South Africa comfortably chased down New Zealand’s total of 231 with 11 balls to spare.
Tazmin Brits’ ton not only cemented South Africa’s first win of the tournament — putting them on the points table — but also etched her name into the history books. No woman before her had scored five international hundreds in a calendar year, and she achieved the feat with a blend of patience, calculated aggression, and complete command over the New Zealand bowling attack.
New Zealand Struggles Despite Divine’s Resistance
Earlier, Sophie Devine had threatened to anchor New Zealand’s innings with a composed 85 off 108 balls, mixing deft placement with occasional power hitting. Alongside Georgia Halliday, who contributed a solid 45, Devine helped the White Ferns recover from early strikes to post a competitive, albeit slightly under-par total of 231.
For most of the innings, New Zealand’s batters found themselves pegged back by the consistent spin and guile of South Africa’s bowlers, particularly left-arm orthodox bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba. Her figures of 4 for 40 were a masterclass in accuracy and flight, troubling both right and left-handers and preventing partnerships from fully blossoming.
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Devine’s knock included 9 boundaries and showcased her aptitude for working singles under pressure, but the lack of sustained partnerships beyond the second wicket proved costly. Once Halliday was dismissed, the lower order faltered against Mlaba’s precision and Ayabonga Khaka’s disciplined lines, leaving the innings short of a truly defendable score on a relatively docile surface.
Mlaba Turns the Game with Spin Masterclass
Mlaba’s spell was instrumental in restricting New Zealand. Operating from a consistent line and length, she drew batters forward only to deceive them with subtle changes in pace. She dismissed key middle-order players at crucial junctures, breaking the rhythm of the innings.
Her scalps included Halliday, bowled through the gate by a drifting delivery, and Maddie Green, caught trying to loft over covers. Mlaba’s performance not only slowed New Zealand’s run rate but also allowed South Africa’s batters to enter the chase with confidence, knowing that the target was within reach.
South Africa’s Calculated Chase
Set 232 for victory, South Africa approached the chase with remarkable assurance. Brits and fellow opener Laura Wolvaardt negotiated the new ball calmly, with Brits quickly settling into her trademark tempo — rotating strike efficiently and pouncing on anything overpitched.
Wolvaardt departed early after contributing 15, but Sune Luus joined Brits to form the decisive partnership of the match. Their stand for the third wicket was worth 152, a display of batting control and tactical acumen. While Brits dominated early with crisp drives through the offside and pulls behind square, Luus complemented her with steady accumulation and deft touches that left the New Zealand bowlers searching for answers.
Tazmin Brits Reach Milestone in Style
In the 39th over, Tazmin Brits brought up her century with a gentle push to cover for a single, raising her bat to a standing ovation from the South African dressing room and a warm applause from the Indore crowd. The milestone encapsulated her consistency and hunger over the past year — five centuries in varied conditions against top-class attacks.
Her innings featured 9 boundaries and demonstrated a measured approach towards pacing a chase. Even after reaching her ton, Brits maintained focus, ensuring South Africa stayed ahead of the required rate. She eventually fell after miscuing an attempted lofted shot, but by then, the victory was all but secure.
Luus Anchors to the Finish
Luus, batting with quiet authority, took charge once Brits departed. Her unbeaten 83 off 97 balls was a captain’s knock — composed under pressure, tactically sound, and free from rash strokes. She played particularly well against spin, using her feet to smother turn and open scoring angles.
Together with Marizanne Kapp, Luus saw the chase home, with Kapp adding a brisk 20* to close the match in the 49th over. South Africa’s calculated approach meant there were no nervy moments; they kept wickets in hand and ran hard between the wickets to maximise scoring opportunities without taking undue risks.
New Zealand’s Concerns Mount
For New Zealand, the defeat marked their second straight loss in the tournament, raising concerns about their batting depth and ability to handle spin-heavy attacks. While Devine continues to be a reliable anchor, reliance on her form means collapses become inevitable if she falls early.
Their bowling, led by Melie Kerr, who finished with 2 for 62, lacked the cutting edge to contain a well-set partnership. Kerr’s variations briefly troubled Brits, and her dismissal of both Brits and Wolvaardt showed her quality, but inconsistency from the other end allowed Luus and her partner to maintain momentum.
Brits’ Extraordinary Year
Tazmin Brits’ historic fifth ton comes as part of a year that has seen her elevate herself among the elite of women’s cricket. Her performances in 2025 have been spread across formats and opponents, underlining adaptability and mental fortitude. Whether under lights in ODIs or in high-pressure T20 clashes, Brits has been a constant match-winner for South Africa.
Her ability to anchor an innings yet accelerate when needed makes her invaluable, particularly in tournament settings. With this win, South Africa can now look to build campaign rhythm, with Brits’ form offering confidence before tougher fixtures ahead.
South Africa Back in the Hunt
The victory not only places South Africa on the points table but also sends a message to their rivals — they have both the skill and composure to chase down challenging totals in World Cup conditions. Their next step will be ensuring consistency, especially in their middle-order contributions, so that chase pressure never becomes an overwhelming hurdle.
For the moment, however, the spotlight belongs to Brits: her staggering record in 2025 and match-winning ability make her the heartbeat of South Africa’s campaign.
