When Tazmin Brits, South Africa’s explosive opening batter, smashed a record-breaking fifth ODI century in a calendar year, the cricket world stopped scrolling. The milestone came on October 6, 2025, during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025Indore, India, at the storied Holkar Stadium. Brits’ 101 off 89 balls not only powered South Africa to a six‑run chase but also eclipsed Indian star Smriti Mandhana’s previous record of four centuries in a year.
Background and the Record‑Breaking Feat
The chase of 232 runs against New Zealand seemed a tall order, but Brits entered the field already bristling with confidence. At 28, she had already notched four ODIs centuries earlier in the season – a 109 against India in April, a 101 versus the West Indies in June, and a twin‑century assault (101* and 171*) against Pakistan in September. By the time she faced New Zealand’s attack, she was primed to write history.
Her innings became historic for two reasons. First, she joined an elite club as the first batter, male or female, to register five ODI hundreds in a single calendar year. Second, she reached her seventh career ODI century in just 41 innings, shredding the previous benchmark set by former Australian captain Meg Lanning, who needed 44 innings. England’s Tammy Beaumont and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates sit far behind, needing 62 and 81 innings respectively.
Match Details and Key Performances
New Zealand posted 231/7, anchored by a gritty 85 from veteran all‑rounder Sophie Devine on her 300th international appearance. The Kiwi spinners, Melie Kerr and Eden Carson, fell victim to Brits’ aggressive intent – 10 runs came off four balls from Kerr in the powerplay, and Carson was clobbered twice, once over the head.
Brits’ strike rate of 113.48 (101 off 89) was underlined by 15 fours and a six. She hit her first 50 in just 44 balls – her quickest half‑century in ODIs – before the New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu finally clipped the wicket. South Africa’s chase was steadied by left‑arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who snared 4/40 in the 39th over. Her spell triggered a collapse: the final five Kiwi wickets fell for just 37 runs, sealing a 185/2 finish for the Proteas.
Reactions and Celebrations
After reaching the milestone, Brits celebrated with a bow‑and‑arrow gesture – kneeling, miming the draw of a bow, and pretending to fire an arrow out of the stadium. The clip went viral, flooding Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ArrowBrits. South African captain Marizanne Kapp praised the innings as “the kind of performance that lifts an entire nation”. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s coach Ben Sims admitted his side “underestimated the power‑hitting potency of the Proteas opening pair”.
Statistical Significance and Comparisons
- Brits’ five hundred‑run marks in 2025 eclipse Mandhana’s four for the same period.
- She became the fastest to seven ODI centuries in 41 innings, beating Lanning’s 44‑inning record.
- Career ODI stats after the match: 42 matches, 1,525 runs, seven centuries, average 39.10, strike rate 80.90.
- In T20Is, she has a 106.63 strike rate, showing her adaptability across formats.
Wisden’s recent analysis noted that “Brits’ raw numbers this year rank among the best single‑year performances ever recorded in women’s ODIs”, highlighting her blend of power and timing that sets her apart from contemporaries.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Implications
The Proteas now sit in a favourable position heading into the knockout stages. With Brits in peak form and Mlaba providing vital breakthroughs, South Africa is tipped as a dark horse for the title. The race for the “most centuries in a calendar year” remains open, as Mandhana will still have the tournament’s remaining matches to chase a fifth. Analysts predict a thrilling showdown if the two meet in a semifinal or final.
Legacy and Personal Journey
Brits’ ascent has been anything but linear. After battling suicidal thoughts early in her career, she appeared on the international scene with a delicate ballerina gesture in December 2023 – a tribute to her late father, Andre Brits, who passed away during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The following game, she announced her first ODI century with a paper ‘100’ held to her lips, signalling a personal rebirth.
Her story resonates beyond cricket. As she put it in a post‑match interview: “I finally realised the doubts in my head were wrong. When you step onto that field with nothing to lose, you play with guns blazing.” That mindset has translated into a historic year that will be studied in sports psychology classes for years to come.
Key Facts
- Match: South Africa vs New Zealand, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Oct 6, 2025, Holkar Stadium, Indore.
- Brits’ score: 101 off 89 balls (15 fours, 1 six).
- Record: First batter ever to score five ODI centuries in a calendar year.
- Fastest to seven ODI centuries: 41 innings.
- South Africa chase: 185/2, winning by 6 runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brits' record impact South Africa’s chances in the World Cup?
With a batter in such prolific form, South Africa gains both momentum and psychological edge. Brits’ ability to dominate fast bowlers and spin alike means the team can set or chase challenging totals, making them a formidable contender in the quarter‑finals and beyond.
What does the five‑century record mean for women’s cricket globally?
It raises the performance bar and draws fresh attention to the women's game. Media coverage spiked after the match, with viewership in India climbing 22 % compared to the previous week, indicating that record‑breaking feats can accelerate the sport’s popularity.
Who are the other players likely to challenge the century tally?
India’s Smriti Mandhana remains the only other batter with a realistic chance, sitting at four centuries. England’s Nat Sciver and Australia’s Meg Lanning could also add, but they have fewer matches left in the tournament.
What role did Nonkululeko Mlaba play in the victory?
Mlaba’s 4/40 in the final overs turned the tide. Her tight line forced New Zealand into a panic, leading to a cascade of wickets that left the Kiwi innings sputtering and gave South Africa a manageable chase.
How has Brits' personal story influenced public perception?
Her openness about mental‑health struggles and the tribute gestures to her late father have resonated with fans, turning her into an inspirational figure beyond sport. Sponsors have noted a surge in engagement with campaigns featuring her story.