Tazmin Brits' blazing 98 powers Proteas Women to thrilling T20I triumph

The Proteas Women now lead the three-match series 1-0 with a performance brimming with flair and precision.

Brits anchored the Proteas Women's innings from start to finish, crafting a record-shattering 98 off 63 balls, studded with nine fours and four sixes.

Her knock, which included a towering six off the final ball, set a new benchmark for the highest individual score against the West Indies Women in T20Is and marked her 14th half-century in the format.

The Proteas Women posted 183 for six, their highest T20I total against the hosts, leaving the Windies Women chasing a daunting target.

"We're thrilled to kick off with a win. T20 cricket thrives on momentum, and this sets us up perfectly for the series," said Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Despite a shaky start at 25 for two after losing Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp early, Brits steadied the ship with a dynamic 71-run stand alongside Nadine de Klerk (21). Her aggressive strokeplay kept the Windies Women's bowlers under relentless pressure, turning the tide decisively.

In response, the Windies Women struggled to find rhythm, finishing at 133 for six. The Proteas Women's bowlers struck early, with Kapp removing the dangerous Qiana Joseph in the second over, courtesy of a stunning boundary catch by Chloe Tryon.

Kapp led the attack with 2 for 27, supported by single wickets from Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, and de Klerk. Sharp fielding further stifled the hosts, who couldn't match the Proteas Women's intensity.

Jannillea Glasgow provided a silver lining for the Windies Women, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 44 balls—her maiden T20I half-century. Alongside Chinelle Henry (26), she forged an 81-run sixth-wicket partnership, offering late resistance but falling well short of the required pace. The Windies Women's first six came only in the 18th over, underscoring their struggle.

For the Windies Women, 19-year-old pacer Jahzara Claxton impressed, claiming 3 for 39, including the scalps of Wolvaardt, Kapp, and de Klerk, to record her best T20I figures.

"It's about team wins for me," said Brits, named Player of the Match. "This performance feels special because it got us over the line."

The Proteas Women's clinical display sets the stage for an electrifying series, with their batting firepower and disciplined bowling sending a clear message.

Teams:
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack.

South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Miane Smit, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso (wk), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.