120/8 (20.0)
CR : 6.00
208/1 (20.0)
CR : 10.40
South Africa Women won by 88 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Tazmin Brits
114(69)*
Over 20
Netherlands Women 120/8
Caroline de Lange0(1)
Myrthe Van Den Raad1(1)
Ayabonga Khaka3-19(3.0)
SA-W won by 88 runs
2:06 AM IST & 9:36 PM Local Time: That's it! A thumping victory for South Africa as they outclass the Netherlands by 88 runs in a dominant all-round performance. This sizeable margin will do their Net Run Rate a world of good and could prove crucial on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, Netherlands won the toss and elected to chase on what looked like a batting paradise here in Bristol. South Africa’s openers, Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, made full use of the conditions as the Dutch new-ball attack struggled to create any pressure. The pair found the boundary with ease and gradually shifted through the gears, particularly in the latter half of the powerplay. Their positive approach helped South Africa race to 66/0 after the first six overs.
The runs continued to flow freely as South Africa reached 94/0 at the halfway stage of the innings. The opening partnership dominated proceedings before Netherlands finally found a breakthrough, ending the 121-run stand with the dismissal of Wolvaardt for a well-compiled 45 off 36 balls. However, there was no respite for the Dutch bowlers as Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen launched a fierce assault in the closing overs. South Africa smashed 50 runs in the final three overs, with Brits bringing up a magnificent World Cup century and finishing unbeaten on 114 off 69 deliveries. Dercksen provided the perfect finishing touch with a blistering 37* from just 16 balls as South Africa posted a daunting 208/1 from their 20 overs.
In reply, Netherlands made an impressive start despite the huge target. Openers Phebe Molkenboer and Sanya Khurana showed plenty of intent, taking on the South African bowlers and finding regular boundaries. Their positive batting helped Netherlands reach 50/0 at the end of the powerplay, putting the South Africans under a bit of pressure. Although the required rate remained steep, the Women in Orange continued to play their shots and refused to retreat into their shell. The opening stand was eventually broken by Chloe Tryon, who dismissed Sanya for a valuable 36.
Phebe Molkenboer continued to impress with a fluent 41, while Sterre Kalis chipped in with a useful 26. However, the chase began to unravel in the second half of the innings as South Africa's experienced bowling attack tightened its grip on the contest. Regular wickets and disciplined bowling ensured that Netherlands never threatened the target. The Dutch side batted through the full 20 overs but could only manage 120/8. Ayabonga Khaka (3/19) was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. In the end, South Africa completed a comprehensive 88-run victory, a result that significantly boosts their Net Run Rate and strengthens their position in the tournament. Stay tuned for the Post-Match Presentation!
Earlier in the day, Netherlands won the toss and elected to chase on what looked like a batting paradise here in Bristol. South Africa’s openers, Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, made full use of the conditions as the Dutch new-ball attack struggled to create any pressure. The pair found the boundary with ease and gradually shifted through the gears, particularly in the latter half of the powerplay. Their positive approach helped South Africa race to 66/0 after the first six overs.
The runs continued to flow freely as South Africa reached 94/0 at the halfway stage of the innings. The opening partnership dominated proceedings before Netherlands finally found a breakthrough, ending the 121-run stand with the dismissal of Wolvaardt for a well-compiled 45 off 36 balls. However, there was no respite for the Dutch bowlers as Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen launched a fierce assault in the closing overs. South Africa smashed 50 runs in the final three overs, with Brits bringing up a magnificent World Cup century and finishing unbeaten on 114 off 69 deliveries. Dercksen provided the perfect finishing touch with a blistering 37* from just 16 balls as South Africa posted a daunting 208/1 from their 20 overs.
In reply, Netherlands made an impressive start despite the huge target. Openers Phebe Molkenboer and Sanya Khurana showed plenty of intent, taking on the South African bowlers and finding regular boundaries. Their positive batting helped Netherlands reach 50/0 at the end of the powerplay, putting the South Africans under a bit of pressure. Although the required rate remained steep, the Women in Orange continued to play their shots and refused to retreat into their shell. The opening stand was eventually broken by Chloe Tryon, who dismissed Sanya for a valuable 36.
Phebe Molkenboer continued to impress with a fluent 41, while Sterre Kalis chipped in with a useful 26. However, the chase began to unravel in the second half of the innings as South Africa's experienced bowling attack tightened its grip on the contest. Regular wickets and disciplined bowling ensured that Netherlands never threatened the target. The Dutch side batted through the full 20 overs but could only manage 120/8. Ayabonga Khaka (3/19) was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. In the end, South Africa completed a comprehensive 88-run victory, a result that significantly boosts their Net Run Rate and strengthens their position in the tournament. Stay tuned for the Post-Match Presentation!
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits
Tazmin Brits (Player of the Match): "[What did she enjoy the most about her knock tonight?] It was one of those innings where I want to remember but I can't. Going over extra. I have been working to go through the off side. I enjoyed that the most.
[Any nerves on getting close to 100?] I didn't realize I was close. I was just trying to get us over 200. But to get that, I was really chuffed, especially at a World Cup.
[Did that knock against India give her the confidence?] I was disappointed with myself the other night. We were 25/2. I wanted to show a bit of intent today and hopefully, I can continue.
[On her celebration] It was a sign language. I was asked to do my celebration in sign language. I just hit 'I'm grateful to God'.
[How difficult is to be sitting out and then coming into the side?] To play or not play, to put this badge, it's always great. I love my country and want to contribute. As long as we get over the line, it doesn't matter whether I'm playing or not."
[Any nerves on getting close to 100?] I didn't realize I was close. I was just trying to get us over 200. But to get that, I was really chuffed, especially at a World Cup.
[Did that knock against India give her the confidence?] I was disappointed with myself the other night. We were 25/2. I wanted to show a bit of intent today and hopefully, I can continue.
[On her celebration] It was a sign language. I was asked to do my celebration in sign language. I just hit 'I'm grateful to God'.
[How difficult is to be sitting out and then coming into the side?] To play or not play, to put this badge, it's always great. I love my country and want to contribute. As long as we get over the line, it doesn't matter whether I'm playing or not."
Biggest Wins for South Africa in ICC Women's T20 World Cups (by runs):
113 vs Thailand, Canberra, 2020
88 vs Netherlands, Bristol, 2026, Tonight*
86 vs Ireland, Sylhet, 2014
113 vs Thailand, Canberra, 2020
88 vs Netherlands, Bristol, 2026, Tonight*
86 vs Ireland, Sylhet, 2014
Babette de Leede (Netherlands Women Captain): "[What total would they have taken after electing to bowl first?] We were thinking may be 170-180 would have been good. The wicket was flat. But 200-plus was too much for us.
[On their opening stand] I think Sanya and Phebe batted really well upfront. The youngster played really well. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the momentum in the middle overs and in the death. Hopefully, we improve before the next game.
[How did they feel on facing South Africa tonight?] It's an amazing opportunity. Every game, we have grown more and more. Our fielding has improved. Our bowling isn't up to the mark. Hopefully, it clicks and we get a win against Pakistan.
[On the crowd support] It's amazing to see them here. Also, the support back home. The messages that we receive. It's great to have that support and to have our friends and family here and to have the Orange Army supporting us."
[On their opening stand] I think Sanya and Phebe batted really well upfront. The youngster played really well. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the momentum in the middle overs and in the death. Hopefully, we improve before the next game.
[How did they feel on facing South Africa tonight?] It's an amazing opportunity. Every game, we have grown more and more. Our fielding has improved. Our bowling isn't up to the mark. Hopefully, it clicks and we get a win against Pakistan.
[On the crowd support] It's amazing to see them here. Also, the support back home. The messages that we receive. It's great to have that support and to have our friends and family here and to have the Orange Army supporting us."
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women Captain): "(Was that a complete batting display from South Africa?) Yeah, it was a pretty decent effort with the bat. I think we managed to identify very early that it was a very good wicket to bat on. We just tried to go as hard as we could early on. Taz batted exceptionally and she managed to hold the innings together throughout.
(On the bowling effort) Umm, I think we brought it back really nicely. In the powerplay, their batters got their side to a pretty good start. As I said, it was a nice wicket to bat on. We saw that pace off stuff was working so I thought of making a few changes. So, the spinners came into the attack and controlled the game.
(On staying grounded than being overexcited about being one step away from the Semis) Yeah, we still need a few things to go our way as well. I think this big win helps. We need another big win in our next game. We will try our best to win big in our next game and hope a few things go our way.
(On facing Bangladesh at Lord's) Iconic venue. So, it will be awesome for us to play there. Bangladesh have some slow spinners in their side and we haven't batted well against spinners in this tournament. So, I would like to see us bat nice and positively against them."
(On the bowling effort) Umm, I think we brought it back really nicely. In the powerplay, their batters got their side to a pretty good start. As I said, it was a nice wicket to bat on. We saw that pace off stuff was working so I thought of making a few changes. So, the spinners came into the attack and controlled the game.
(On staying grounded than being overexcited about being one step away from the Semis) Yeah, we still need a few things to go our way as well. I think this big win helps. We need another big win in our next game. We will try our best to win big in our next game and hope a few things go our way.
(On facing Bangladesh at Lord's) Iconic venue. So, it will be awesome for us to play there. Bangladesh have some slow spinners in their side and we haven't batted well against spinners in this tournament. So, I would like to see us bat nice and positively against them."
A thumping victory for South Africa here in Bristol as they outclass the Netherlands by 88 runs, significantly boosting their Net Run Rate in the process. Now, it all comes down to the final day of the league stage on Sunday with regards to Group A. All eyes will be on the two crucial fixtures at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, where the race for the knockout stages is set for a thrilling finish.
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Akshay Bhide who, along with scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Akshay Bhide who, along with scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋