The Proteas Women thrashed the Netherlands by 88 runs in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash at the Bristol County Ground on Thursday, with opener Tazmin Brits starring with an unbeaten 114 and captain Laura Wolvaardt returning to form with a fluent 45.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Dutch were punished by South Africa’s opening pair, who shared a commanding 121-run stand.
Wolvaardt had stressed the importance of maximising the powerplay against a Dutch attack that had struggled for early wickets, and she led from the front as South Africa raced to 66 without loss after six overs. Forty of those runs came in boundaries, with Brits striking seven fours as the Proteas scored at more than 10 runs an over.
opening pair negotiated a testing spell of spin bowling. The duo also survived a run-out scare before Wolvaardt fell for 45 off 36 balls, chasing a wide delivery with the score on 121.
With the platform laid for a late surge in a match where net run rate was important for Mandla Mashimbyi’s charges, Brits put her foot on the accelrator, racing to 83 at the end of the 15th over, including 10 boundaries, as SA reached 142/1.
The veteran opener finished unbeaten on 114, including three sixes, while Annerie Dercksen added a brisk 36 as the Proteas piled up 208/1 โ their highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
South Africa’s bowlers then set about ensuring the victory margin was equally impressive.
The Netherlands made a bright start, reaching 50/0 at the end of the powerplay despite some disciplined bowling from Marizanne Kapp, who was unlucky not to claim her 100th T20I wicket when Sanya Khurana was dropped at slip.
Spinner Chloe Tryon eventually made the breakthrough, dismissing Khurana for 36 in the eighth over. The Dutch continued to battle, reaching 100/1 in the 15th over before Shabnim Ismail struck to remove Sterre Kalis for 13.
Opener Phebe Molkenboer top-scored with 41, but South Africa tightened the screws late in the innings. Tryon finished with 2/16, while Ayabonga Khaka claimed 3/19 as the Netherlands were restricted to 120/8.
The Proteas will next face Bangladesh on Sunday as they continue their push for a place in the semi-finals.
