South African Professional Cricketer Tazmin Brits scored a brilliant century as South Africa spoiled New Zealand’s Suzie Bates record 350th international appearance with a six-wicket victory as a whole. This was in a match on Monday at the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The World Cup is taking place in Holkar Stadium in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Brits hit 101 of 89 balls with fifteen boundaries and a six – her fourth century in five ODIs – to help South Africa chase a 232-run target in 40.5 overs during the match at the stadium. South Africa’s women’s Cricket team continues to impress with their high-scoring performances. It is hopeful they keep this momentum up.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba grabbed 4-40 as New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs with Bates dismissed off the very first ball of the match by pacer Marizanne Kapp. Bates, 38, became the first woman to play 350 internationals — 173 ODIs in addition to 177 T20Is — in a glorious career. The win revived South Africa’s campaign after they were shot out for 69 in their ten-wicket defeat against England in Guwahati on Friday. New Zealand, the reigning Twenty20 world champions, have lost both their matches following their 89-run loss against title-holders Australia. Brits shared a solid 159-run second wicket stand with Sune Luus, who hit the winning runs during her unbeaten 83 studded with ten fours and a six.
Cricket is a game of skill as well as talent. The Women’s Cricket World Cup Tournament is no exception. All the teams must rise above their limits to compete at that elite level. The moment of Bates’ triumph is historical due to her being the first woman to play 350 internationals. The determining score for Bates won the match. It shows what happens when South Africans even women in sports can pull through and attain success. The South Africans were able to stand their ground with the pressure they have experienced. Professionally they have paved the path to glory and victory. Going against any of the other national teams would have proven no walk in the park. For New Zealand’s women’s team their defeat at the hand of South Africa will prove a difficult stumble to overcome.
India too took a heavy loss from South Africa’s Women’s Proteas team.
South African cricketer Tazmin Brits achieved a historic milestone in the 2025 Women’s World Cup match against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore. She scored a century in just 86 balls, including 15 boundaries and a six. This marked Brits’ fifth ODI century in 2025, setting a new record for most centuries in a calendar year in women’s cricket. She surpassed Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, who previously held the record with four centuries each in 2024 and 2025. Brits also became the fastest player to reach seven ODI centuries, achieving this feat in 41 innings. This broke the previous record held by former Australian captain Meg Lanning. England’s Tammy Beaumont and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates follow, reaching the milestone in 62 and 81 innings respectively.
When these National teams made up of professional players on the cricket field they play to win. This is a tough challenge as there can only be one winning team. So, losing is a high risk. Tazmin Brits is that rare example of strong talent that can display a winning streak. Competing against both New Zealand’s and India’s Cricket teams has promised to be no breeze. But going up against Brits also proved to be a formidable opponent. Poor Mandhana would not enjoy the taste of well-honed skills to match hers. Brits for her part set a new record for the World Cup Championships annals. Her talent and skill will shine through. South Africa certainly has a great many talents in the field of sport. It must hone these skills to prove a challenge in all spheres of professional sports.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
