Tazmin Brits Century Seals ODI Series Win for Proteas Women

A blazing ton, fierce bowling, and a statement win: South Africa’s women close their West Indies tour in emphatic fashion

In a rain-affected final ODI at Cave Hill, Barbados, Tazmin Brits’ blazing century off just 91 balls powered the Proteas Women to a commanding 166-run victory over the West Indies, clinching the series 2–1. Brits’ rapid ton was more than just a personal milestone – it was the defining moment in a match that showcased South Africa’s growing depth and resilience in the women’s game.

From the first over, total control

The pressure was on. Series levelled at 1–1, and the decider played under overcast skies. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews chose to bowl first, hoping the damp conditions would favour her bowlers.

But Brits and Captain Laura Wolvaardt had other plans.

Together, they tore into the West Indies attack, racing to a 100-run partnership in just 13 overs. Brits was particularly brutal, dispatching boundaries with authority and bringing up her fastest ODI century in the 22nd over. Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a fluent 75 off 76, complementing Brits’ aggression with precision.

Rain delays couldn’t break momentum

As play was halted and restarted by rain, South Africa’s momentum dipped slightly. Key wickets fell – including Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Nondumiso Shangase – but the Proteas still pushed ahead. Marizanne Kapp stepped in with a stabilising cameo, helping the side to a strong total of 278/6 in 45.5 overs.

With the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in play, the West Indies were handed a revised target of 288 in 39 overs – a steep climb on any day.

Image 1: Freepik

Klaas closes the door early

Masabata Klaas wasted no time. In a fiery opening spell, she picked up four wickets to leave the hosts stunned at 10/4. Her final figures of 4/25 were not just impressive – they were match-winning.

Marizanne Kapp continued to apply pressure, and spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba chipped in to spin a web around the middle order. By the 28th over, it was all over: West Indies bowled out for 121 in 27.5 overs.

Aaliyah Alleyne (32) and young Jahzara Claxton (43) tried to mount a recovery, but it was too little, too late.

Social media: “Queen energy”

Cricket South Africa led the online celebrations, reposting Brits’ knock with the caption “Queen energy ?.” Fans echoed the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), with one viral post reading, “Tazmin Brits cooked ?.”

Supporters and pundits alike praised not just the individual brilliance of Brits and Klaas, but the team’s composure and execution away from home – an area where the Proteas Women have historically struggled.

Beyond the scoreboard: A statement of strength

This wasn’t just about winning a match – it was about doing it on foreign soil, in tough conditions, under pressure. South Africa’s ability to dominate with both bat and ball in a series decider speaks volumes.

What’s more, this win reflects the squad’s balance. From veterans like Kapp and Wolvaardt to rising stars like Klaas and Brits, the Proteas Women are building a team with depth, firepower, and belief.

With her bat doing the talking and the bowlers backing her up, Tazmin Brits led the Proteas Women to a deserved and emphatic series win. It was a performance soaked in intent, delivered with swagger, and backed by a squad hungry for more.

In a cricketing world still learning to give the women’s game its full due, this victory sends a message: South Africa’s women are here to compete – and win – on their own terms.

Also read: From Lord’s Glory to Local Grounds: Proteas Hope WTC Triumph Reignites Test Cricket

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Source: SABC Sport

Featured Image: Facebook/Cricket South Africa