Brits blitz keeps South Africa's semi-final charge on track with 88-run win over Netherlands

South Africa continued their winning run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with a massive 88-run victory against Netherlands on Thursday, June 25, at County Ground, Bristol. After being asked to bat first, South Africa posted their highest score in T20 World Cup history, scoring 208/1 in their allotted 20 overs.

Tazmin Brits slammed a breathtaking maiden T20I century to guide her team past 200. Apart from her, captain Laura Wolvaardt (45 off 36) and Annerie Dercksen (37* off 16) also made valuable contributions. In reply, Netherlands got off to a decent start to their run chase with openers Phebe Molkenboer (41 off 41) and Sanya Khurana (36 off 30) adding 58 runs for the first wicket off 47 balls.

However, following their dismissals, the Dutch suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for just 20 runs in 33 deliveries. As a result, they were restricted to 120/8 in their 20 overs, with Ayabonga Khaka picking up three wickets, while Chloe Tryon (2/16) also contributed with two scalps.

Meanwhile, following their win, South Africa maintained third position in the Group A points table with six points from four matches, while Netherlands are reeling at the last spot, yet to taste victory after four games.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Tazmin Brits was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match for her sensational century. She got South Africa off to a blistering start, adding 121 runs for the first wicket with captain Laura Wolvaardt off 81 balls. She brought up her half-centuryoff 36 deliveries and completed her hundred off 63 balls with a massive six. 

Brits further added 87 runs for the second wicket off 39 balls with Annerie Dercksen (37* off 16) and finished the innings on an unbeaten 114* off 69 balls, with the help of 15 fours and three sixes.

Turning Point

Netherlands had an opportunity to send Tazmin Brits back into the pavilion early and save themselves from the carnage. She was first dropped on 46 at point and was later given another reprieve on 57 after Silver Siegers chose to throw the ball to the striker’s end instead of dislodging the bails at the non-striker’s end. Brits went on to make full use of the reprieves and ended up playing the innings of her life.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa women):

Yeah, we just tried to go as hard as we could up front. Yeah, I think you're always gonna be critical and want more, but I think Taz batted excellently and she was great to hold the innings together. I think we brought it back really nicely. I think in that power play, you know, the batters got off to a pretty good start. Like I said, nice wicket to bat on. We saw the pace off stuff was working, so I thought we'd make a few changes. The spinners came in well, controlled the middle. And then I went pace off as well, which worked nicely and kind of gained some control back. There's still only a few things to go our way as well. I think this big win helps. I think we know that we need another big win in our next one. But yeah, we're just trying to take it one step at a time. Obviously, winning the game is the most important thing, but if we do find ourselves in a position to win big, I think we'll try our best and hope a few things go our way. Well, iconic venue (next game at Lord's), so I think it'll be awesome for us to play there. Obviously, Bangladesh are a very different side. They have got a lot of slow spinners. I think it's something in this tournament we maybe haven't been the best at, so I'd like to see us bat nice and positively against that.

Losing Captain, Babette de Leede (Netherlands women):

We were thinking 170-180 was par. 200 was a bit too much. Unfortunately, we couldn't really get the momentum in the middle overs and the death. But it's great to see the youngsters step up. And, yeah, I'm very excited for our next game against Pakistan. No, it's an amazing opportunity. I think every game we've grown more and more. I think our fielding has improved. I think our bowling isn't quite where we want it to be yet, so we hope against Pakistan everything will click and we'll get a win in. It's amazing to have them here and also people from home supporting us. A lot of new fans that send us so many nice messages. It's great to have that support, to have our family and friends here. It's super special. And, yeah, the Orange Army has been really good today.