Exclusive: Close But No Cigar for Proteas Women in Tri-Series Opener Against India

In sweltering Colombo conditions, the Proteas Women fell just 15 runs short of what would have been a spirited chase against India in the opening match of the ODI Tri-Series. 

Despite a valiant century from opener Tazmin Brits, South Africa stumbled late, finishing on 261 all out in pursuit of India’s 276/6.

The match served as a testing opener in Sri Lanka, with the Proteas fielding a fresh-looking side in the absence of Marizanne Kapp [rested] and Anneke Bosch [ill]. While India’s top order laid the foundation, South Africa’s bowling effort was led by spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who returned figures of 2/55.

Brits Battles Through the Heat

Tazmin Brits was the heart of South Africa’s innings, defying punishing heat and mid-innings cramps to score a hard-fought 109 off 107 balls—her third career ODI century. 

Her temporary retirement due to cramping and subsequent return underlined her resilience, but her dismissal shortly after reaching her ton signalled the beginning of South Africa’s batting collapse.

“I was hoping I didn’t have to come back on with the cramps I was having,” Brits admitted post-match.“But I’m always eager to help wherever I can.”

Reflecting on the loss, she added: “Of course I would’ve loved to get the team over the line. You always wonder, if I batted a little longer, could we have done it? But that’s the cricket for you.”

Debutants and Returns: A Glimpse into the Future

With senior players out, the fixture offered a valuable chance to test squad depth. Masabata Klaas and Lara Goodall returned to the side, while 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso made her ODI debut.

Brits had strong praise for the Proteas’ young and experienced returnees alike. 

"Klaasy [Klaas] is vital to our side, I don't want to give my personal opinion but I would never leave her out of the team with her experience. She bowled brilliantly [against India], she would've had more wickets to her name if catches were taken. She is definitely a key player," she said.

“It was nice to have a lefty in Lara [Goodall]. She’s very talented, even though it wasn’t her day with the bat.”

As for Meso: “She’s one of the up-and-coming stars. We’ve seen her at provincial level, and if she plays her game well, she could become one of the best in the world.”

Missed Chances and Lessons Learned

While individual performances stood out, the Proteas' fielding left plenty to be desired. Dropped catches and an excess of wides proved costly, turning a potentially chaseable 240 into a stiffer target of 276.

“At the end of the day, we need to take our catches,” Brits noted frankly. 

“We probably could’ve kept them to 240 if we had held onto our chances. And with the bat, we lost momentum in the middle overs. We didn’t rotate the strike enough.”

Despite the loss, spirits remain high. Coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasised post-match that there were plenty of positives to draw from the performance and particularly given the new faces in the team.

“We lost the game, but it’s important to take the positives. We’re building towards something, and every game counts.”