South African opener Tazmin Brits etched her name into cricket history with a commanding century against New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Indore. Her brilliant knock of 101 off 89 balls, studded with 15 fours and a six, not only guided South Africa to victory but also saw her surpass a long-standing milestone — becoming the first woman to score five ODI centuries in a single calendar year, overtaking the previous benchmark set by Meg Lanning.
Brits’ record-breaking innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Opening the innings after captain Laura Wolvaardt’s early dismissal, she took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers, particularly punishing anything short or wide. Her ability to rotate the strike, mixed with bursts of boundary-hitting, ensured South Africa’s chase of 232 never lost rhythm. She shared a match-defining 159-run stand with Suné Luus, who finished unbeaten on 83, sealing the game with nearly ten overs to spare.
This century marked Brits’ seventh in ODIs, but what made it extraordinary was the sheer consistency she has shown through 2025. In just 11 innings this year, she has amassed nearly 750 runs at an average exceeding 80, with a strike rate close to 100. Her conversion rate — turning starts into centuries — has become unmatched in the women’s game, putting her among the elite modern batters.
Beyond the numbers, Brits’ performance signifies a major evolution in South African women’s cricket. Once known primarily for her athletic fielding and T20 exploits, Brits has transformed into a cornerstone of South Africa’s 50-over batting lineup. Her success stems from a sharpened mental approach and improved shot selection — evident in how she paced her innings, starting cautiously before accelerating seamlessly after her fifty.
Reflecting on her achievement after the match, Brits said she doesn’t chase records but acknowledged the pride of surpassing Lanning’s tally. “When someone mentions Meg Lanning, it’s an honour to even be in the same conversation. To go past that is special, but I’m just glad I could contribute to a win for South Africa,” she said.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt hailed Brits’ knock as “phenomenal,” crediting her for setting the platform and keeping composure during crucial phases. The team’s batting coach also highlighted her technical growth, noting how Brits has developed a stronger front-foot game — a key factor behind her success in subcontinental conditions.
For New Zealand, it was another frustrating outing. Despite Sophie Devine’s 85 anchoring their total of 231, their bowlers couldn’t find a breakthrough once Brits settled in. Fielding lapses added to their woes, with two dropped catches proving costly.
With this record, Tazmin Brits has firmly established herself as one of the premier batters in world cricket. Her achievement reflects not just individual brilliance but also the growing competitiveness and quality in women’s cricket globally. As South Africa continues their World Cup campaign, Brits’ form could be the defining factor in their push for a maiden title.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025