South Africa Forge Towards the Finals

A comprehensive and indeed predictable win for South Africa over the Netherlands has greatly helped in their run towards the finals.

At Bristol, in rather hot conditions, Babette de Leede won the toss for the Netherlands and sent the Proteas in to bat. And bat they did.

Tazmin Brits (114*) is making up for lost time after having been dropped from the team. This blitzkrieg, from 69 balls follows her 40 runs two days ago against India on the 22nd. Her partnership with Laura Wolvaardt at the top of the order is one of the best in international cricket. It boggles the mind that Tazmin was even dropped in the first place.

Brits was there for the first over and remained not out at the end of the 20th. South Africa’s imposing total of 208/1 would be a big ask for most teams, let alone an Associate team like the Netherlands.

A bright and energetic start to the Netherlands’ run chase was provided by Phebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36) but there was little resistance after they were dismissed. They hung on to be 120/8 at the end but it was a comprehensive victory to South Africa by 88 runs and good bonus for their NRR.

114 not out surely demands Player of the Match and that’s exactly how it unfolded with Tazmin Brits collecting the award.

The win puts South Africa on 6 points, equal with India but still behind on NRR. Their next game is a must-win against Bangladesh.

Scores

South Africa 208/1 (Tazmin Brits 114*, Laura Wolvaardt 45, Hannah Landheer 1-34) defeated
Netherlands 120/8 (Phebe Molkenboer 41, Sanya Khurana 36, Ayabonga Khaka 3-19, Chloe Tryon 2-16) by 88 runs

POTM: Tazmin Brits