South Africa achieved their highest total in a Women’s T20 World Cup match, posting 208/1 in their 20 overs against the Netherlands in Bristol. The innings was anchored by an impressive century from Tazmin Brits, who remained unbeaten throughout the innings.
Brits delivered a commanding performance, scoring 114 runs from 69 balls. Her innings included 15 fours and three sixes, reaching her first T20I century in 63 balls with a six over mid-wicket. She also brought up her half-century earlier in the innings, taking 36 balls and hitting eight fours.
The South African team started strongly, reaching 66/0 in the powerplay, marking their highest powerplay score in this World Cup. They continued to build on this momentum, reaching 94/0 in 10 overs and passing the 100-run mark in the 11th over. The team added 50 runs in their final three overs to conclude their innings.
The opening partnership between Brits and Laura Wolvaardt was significant, reaching 121 runs before Wolvaardt was dismissed just shy of her half-century. Wolvaardt got a thick edge to the wicketkeeper off Hannah Landheer, providing the Netherlands with their only breakthrough of the innings.
Netherlands’ chase begins
In response, the Netherlands began their chase with a positive intent, scoring 50/0 in the powerplay. Despite the large target, they were not deterred by South Africa’s imposing score. Early in their innings, Marizanne Kapp created a chance when she drew an edge from Sanya Khurana, but Chloe Tryon spilled the catch at first slip when Khurana was on 3.
Chloe Tryon later secured a landmark wicket for South Africa, dismissing Sanya Khurana in the 8th over. Khurana, who had been striking the ball well, holed out to Shabnim Ismail at long on. This wicket marked Tryon’s 50th in T20 Internationals. The Dutch side reached 102/2 in 15 overs, showing a spirited effort in their pursuit.
Shabnim Ismail also contributed with a wicket, breaking a 42-run partnership by dismissing Sterre Kalis. Kalis was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta after attempting to pull the ball, which brushed her glove. The Netherlands had won the toss and elected to field first in the match.
Group A implications
This match is part of the crucial Group A contests in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which have significant implications for the semi-final race. Alongside this fixture, India and Bangladesh, both level on four points, are competing at Old Trafford.
Net run rate is expected to be a factor as the group stages conclude, with teams needing to consider all aspects of their performance. England has already secured a semi-final spot after defeating the West Indies in Group B.
In a separate Group A match, India secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Manchester. India’s left-arm spin duo of Sree Charani and Radha Yadav combined for five wickets, restricting Bangladesh to 136/8. Shafali Verma then played a crucial role with a blazing half-century, helping India chase down the target of 139/5 with over three overs remaining.
India now has six points from three wins in four matches, placing them second in Group A behind Australia. For Bangladesh, the path to the final four has become more challenging, as they must win their final match against South Africa to have a fair chance of progressing.
During their innings, Bangladesh recovered from an early wobble with a 51-run partnership for the second wicket between Juairiya Ferdous (33) and Sobhana Mostary (22). Despite India’s bowlers keeping Bangladesh in check, India’s fielding was a concern, as they dropped four catches in the powerplay, allowing Bangladesh to reach 40/1 in the first six overs.
Nandini Sharma took a return catch to dismiss Ferdous, after which India’s spinners took control. Radha Yadav claimed the wickets of Mostary and Nigar Sultana (32), and later clean bowled Ritu Moni. Sree Charani finished with 2/21, taking two wickets in the final over, and became India’s highest wicket-taker in a single Women’s T20 World Cup edition with 12 wickets, surpassing Poonam Yadav’s mark set in 2019/20.
Shafali Verma’s rapid 53 off 34 balls, which included eight fours and a six, was the second-fastest fifty in Women’s T20 World Cups, achieved in 29 balls. This early momentum was vital for India, despite losing Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh in quick succession after Verma was stumped. Jemimah Rodrigues’s cameo of 26 and contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma ensured India crossed the finish line.
Source: icc-cricket.com
