Women’s World T20 Cup: Tazmin Brits’ record ton helps South Africa crush Netherlands to keep semi-final hopes alive

NEW DELHI: South Africa boosted their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup T20 with an 88-run win over the Netherlands in Bristol on Thursday.Brits opener Tazmin produced the innings of her career to remain unbeaten on 114 off 69 balls as South Africa posted a tournament-best 208/1 before restricting the Netherlands to 120/8.The win was South Africa’s third in a row after an opening defeat to Australia and lifted them to six points from four matches, level with India in Group 1. However, the Proteas remain behind India on net pace. Their semi-final hopes will now hinge on Sunday’s showdown against Bangladesh, while India face group leaders Australia.Brits was the star of the night, scoring her maiden T20I century in her 82nd match. Her unbeaten 114 was the second highest individual score in Women’s Under-20 World Cup history, behind Meg Lanning’s 126 against Ireland in 2014.She shared a 121-run opening stand with skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who made 45, and added an unbroken 87-run partnership with Annerie Dercksen, who smashed 37 not out off just 16 balls.The British started aggressively and helped South Africa reach 66 without loss in the PowerPlay. During her knock, she also became only the second South African after Wolvaard to complete 2000 T20I runs.She reached her century in the 18th over of her first six innings and finished with three sixes and 15 boundaries. The total of 208/1 was South Africa’s highest ever score in Women’s T20 World Cup history.Netherlands started the chase on a positive note as they reached 50 for no loss in PowerPlay through Phoebe Molkenboer and Sanya Khurana. Molkenboer (41), Khurana and Sterre Kalis kept the scoreboard moving as the Dutch crossed 100 in the 15th over.However, they were never close to the required run rate and suffered a dramatic collapse late in the innings, losing seven wickets for the final 20 runs.Ayabonga Khaka led the South African bowling attack with figures of 3/19 while Shabnim Ismail continued her remarkable comeback from retirement. Ismail claimed the 48th wicket in Women’s T20 World Cup history, equaling Australia’s Megan Schutt as the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker.After receiving the Player of the Match award, the Briton admitted she barely realized she was nearing her century.“I actually didn’t even realize I was close to it to be honest with you. I just wanted to try and get us to 200 so that was the main goal. I’m very excited. It’s nice to do it, especially at the World Championships,” she said.The Brit also revealed that she has been working on improving her game outside of the game and explained her unique celebration after reaching three figures.“It was a sign language celebration. I was asked to do it, so I tried to study it a little bit. I was like, ‘I’m grateful to God.’South Africa now head into a must-win game against Bangladesh at Lord’s knowing that another win could seal a place in the semi-finals if the results go their way.