Brits' Brilliant Century Guides South Africa to First World Cup Win

The Proteas successfully chased a target of 232, powered by a magnificent century from opener Tazmin Brits, overshadowing New Zealand captain Sophie Devine's strong knock.

New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs. Skipper Sophie Devine, playing her 300th international match, anchored the innings with a well-compiled 85 off 98 balls.

Devine built crucial fifty-run partnerships, first with Georgia Plimmer (57 runs) and then an 86-run stand with Brooke Halliday, who contributed 45. However, the New Zealand innings faltered late on, with South Africa's spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba being the star with the ball, bagging four wickets. Suzie Bates, in her 350th international game, was unfortunately dismissed for a duck on the very first ball by Marizanne Kapp.

In the chase, South Africa’s batting was dominant from the start. Tazmin Brits was in sensational form, smashing 101 runs off just 89 deliveries – her fourth hundred in her last five innings.Her aggressive batting ensured the target was never out of reach. Despite an earlier 10-wicket loss to England, South Africa’s six-wicket victory, achieved with 55 balls to spare, marks a significant turnaround in their World Cup campaign.

This defeat means the White Ferns have now lost both their matches in the tournament, having been beaten by Australia in their opener. Brits’ sensational performance was the difference-maker, securing two crucial points for South Africa.