Tazmin Brits showcased her batting prowess with her second career hundred for the Proteas Women as the first ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25) One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to persistent rain in East London on Tuesday.
Brits led the charge with a commanding 116 off 128 balls, including 12 fours, guiding South Africa to 270/6 after 50 overs before rain intervened in the seventh over of Sri Lanka's innings, resulting in a no-result.
Despite losing the toss and being tasked to bat first under overcast conditions at Buffalo Park Stadium, Laura Wolvaardt (41) and Brits forged a formidable opening partnership for the home side.
Within the opening powerplay, the pair amassed a half-century stand, propelling South Africa to 55/0 after 10 overs, before Brits brought up her second ODI fifty.
Wolvaardt departs
The partnership was broken when Wolvaardt was caught behind off Kaveesha Dilhari's bowling (2/47), leaving the Proteas at 96/1 after 20 overs.
Subsequently, Brits found a new ally in Anneke Bosch (39), as they pushed South Africa over the 100-run mark, reaching 154/1 after 30 overs before Bosch fell, ending their 70-run partnership with Oshadi Ranasinghe (2/42) claiming the wicket.
Brits then partnered with Sune Luus (22), adding 40 runs before Luus departed in the 41st over to Sungadika Kumari (2/67).
In a remarkable innings, Brits achieved her second ODI hundred in the 42nd over, but lost another partner in Marizanne Kapp (6) shortly after, leaving the Proteas at 220/4 after 44 overs.
Brits' exceptional performance ended on 116 in the 46th over, as an attempt to loft the ball over the bowler's head resulted in Kumari taking a comfortable catch on the boundary.
With less than four overs remaining, all-rounder Nadine de Klerk's quickfire 34 off 22 balls, alongside Delmi Tucker (8 not), carried South Africa to a commanding total of 270/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
In response, Sri Lankan openers Vishmi Gunaratne (9 not out) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (12 out) got their side off to a solid start, reaching 23/0 after 6.5 overs before heavy rain interrupted play.
Following a prolonged delay, the teams settled for a shared result, each earning one ICC Women’s Championship point.
Supplied