Brits century helps SA respond to England crushing

Indore, ICC Women’s World Cup

New Zealand 231 (47.5 overs): Devine 85 (98), Mlaba 4-40

South Africa 234-4 (40.5 overs): Brits 101 (89), Luus 81* (114)

South Africa won by six wickets.

South Africa won the World Cup in Indore by six wickets after being humiliated by England.

The Proteas defeated New Zealand for 231 in their opening match of the tournament on Friday, skipping 69 and falling 10 wickets in a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Tazmin Brits, one of the ten South African players who recorded a single-figure score last week, hit a fantastic 101 in her fifth one-day international century in five innings and fifth this year.

Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch both departed chasing a net run-rate boost, but Sune Luus, who combined for 159 for the second wicket with Brits, came in with 81 not out to seal a commanding victory. Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch also left chasing a net run-rate boost, but Brits was bowled two balls after scoring her century with 47 runs.

In contrast, New Zealand’s bat, ball, and field skills were lacking.

Suzie Bates was out lbw to the first delivery when South Africa decided to bat, and they chewed up 48 dot balls in a timid powerplay.

Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday set the tone with 86 from 75 balls through the middle, but Nonkululeko Mlaba, a left-arm spinner, took 4-40 after losing to Halliday in the 39th over, causing a collapse of seven wickets for 44 runs in 59 balls from 187-3.

Devine’s side later gave 19 wides and threw misfields, but her side were bowled for 85 in the 45th over, giving way to a big finish.

Only the top four of the group stages have progressed from the group stage, which leaves New Zealand, the T20 World Cup champions of last year, behind Australia, India, and England.

The turnaround of the British was exemplified by South Africa.

Last week, Linsey Smith was one of Linsey Smith’s three powerplay victims when she bowled in the fourth over.

Given that she was only allowed to start her innings with pace bowling, which was another odd New Zealand call, she had no chance to break three figures with her powerful drives, which were particularly eye-catching.

The 34-year-old is not the more recoiled batter in this XI, which is Laura Wolvaardt, the more elegant captain, but her run of form is stunning.

In her first 20 ODI innings, she did not record a century, but she has since recorded seven in 21 innings.

Brits is also the first woman to reach five ODI centuries in a calendar year, beating out Australian great Meg Lanning as the format’s fastest player with her 41st innings.

She said, “I’m not one for records, but when you mention Meg Lanning, I’m happy I’m above that.”

“I’m just trying to be as optimistic as I can and just backing myself.”

“I’m not a record-breaker, but I’m good as long as we win,” I said. I’m just trying to be as optimistic as I can and just backing myself.

Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s captain, said: “It was such an amazing turnaround and something we knew we were capable of after that first game. I’m glad we put that behind us and were able to bounce back.

“We will enjoy it tonight, but like the first game, we have to forget about it because cricket begins at zero and is a significant game for us [versus India].”

Sophie Devine, the skipper of New Zealand, said: “We got ourselves into a position to launch ourselves and then lost wickets, and it’s difficult to have a crack at the back end.”