Bristol, June 26: Tazmin Brits smashed the first century of her T20I career as South Africa posted their second highest-total in the format in a must-win and must-improve net-run-rate encounter against Netherlands to intensify the competition in Group A.
They became the third side to top 200 at this tournament and defended the total, though they did not bowl the Dutch out.
Brits, back in her opening role, shared a 121-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt, the highest stand between the pair, to set South Africa a solid platform. When Wolvaardt was dismissed for 45, Annerie Dercksen joined Brits and the pair accelerated. They scored 87 runs off 39 balls at a run-rate of 13.38 to lift South Africa to 208.
Their bowlers had to do far more work as the Dutch openers put on their sixth-highest opening stand, of 58. When they were separated, the required run-rate was already up to 12.5 an over and so, the Netherlands had to bat to a different target. Molkenboer and Sterre Kalis put on 42 for the second wicket but then Netherlands fell away. They lost eight wickets for 20 runs between the 15th and 20th over, including three in the final over and were 120 for 8 at the end of the innings.
The result sees South Africa’s net run-rate move into positive territory (+0.734) though they are still well behind India on 2.268. The win puts pressure on India to keep winning, but it doesn’t change their fundamental equation. If India wins their remaining group stage matches, they will qualify comfortably for the semifinals, likely topping the group given their superior NRR.
The real pressure on India is psychological. South Africa’s 208-run batting explosion proves they have found their form at the right time. If India slips up and loses their match against Australia, South Africa is now mathematically positioned to pounce.
Menawhile, India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has urged her teammates to take the attack to six-time champions Australia instead of allowing them to dictate terms when the two sides meet in a virtual quarterfinal at Lord’s. Jemimah said India must match Australia’s intensity if they are to keep their semifinal hopes alive. (Agencies)
