Bristol: Brits century powers South Africa to 208/1 in T20 World Cup

By Sanjay Menon — 25 June 2026 — 3 min read

South Africa’s Dominant Batting Display

South Africa posted their highest total in a Women’s T20 World Cup match, reaching 208/1 in their 20 overs against the Netherlands in Bristol. The innings was highlighted by a century from Tazmin Brits, who remained unbeaten on 114 runs from 69 balls. Her knock included 15 fours and three sixes, reaching her first T20I century in 63 balls. The team accelerated significantly in the final overs, scoring 50 runs in the last three.

Brits also brought up her half-century in 36 balls, hitting eight fours. South Africa reached 100 runs in the 11th over. The opening partnership between Brits and Laura Wolvaardt contributed 121 runs before Wolvaardt was dismissed by Hannah Landheer, falling just short of a half-century. South Africa had a strong start, reaching 66/0 in six overs, marking their highest powerplay score in this World Cup.

Netherlands’ Response and Key Wickets

The Netherlands, after winning the toss and electing to field, began their chase with positive intent, scoring 50/0 in the powerplay. Sanya Khurana was striking the ball well early in the innings. However, Chloe Tryon provided a breakthrough for South Africa in the 8th over, dismissing Khurana, which marked Tryon’s 50th T20I wicket. Earlier, Marizanne Kapp had created a chance to dismiss Khurana, but Chloe Tryon dropped the catch at first slip.

Later, Shabnim Ismail broke a 42-run partnership by dismissing Sterre Kalis, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta. Despite these wickets, the Dutch showed a spirited performance, reaching 102/2 in 15 overs. The match in Bristol is one of the crucial Group A contests in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with implications for the semi-final race.

India’s Victory and Fielding Concerns

In another Group A fixture, India secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Manchester, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. India chased down 137 runs in 16.5 overs. The left-arm spin duo of Sree Charani and Radha Yadav collectively took five wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 136/8. Shafali Verma then played a significant role with a half-century, scoring 53 runs from 34 balls, including eight fours and a six. She reached her fifty in 29 balls, making it the second-fastest in Women’s T20 World Cups.

India‘s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, acknowledged the team’s need to improve their fielding after dropping four catches during the match. Despite the fielding issues, India reached 63/1 in the first six overs, their highest powerplay score in Women’s T20 World Cups. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 26 runs, and Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 13. Sree Charani finished with 2/21 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.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana felt her team was 15-20 runs short and failed to capitalize on opportunities. Juairiya Ferdous was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 33 runs, while Nigar Sultana scored 32 and Sobhana Mostary added 22. India now has six points from four matches and is currently second in Group A, behind Australia.

The road to the final four has become tougher for Bangladesh, who need to win their final match against South Africa to have a fair chance.

Source: icc-cricket.com