Brits slams career-best 98* as West Indies go down in first T20I

Tazmin Brits delivered a stunning unbeaten 98 off just 63 deliveries, powering South Africa to a commanding 50-run victory over West Indies in the opening T20I at Cave Hill on Friday. Despite a few flashes of individual brilliance from the hosts, they failed to mount any serious challenge with either bat or ball. Opting to bat first, South Africa faced early setbacks as skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp fell within the first five overs, both dismissed by the impressive Jahzara Claxton. At 44 for 2 after the powerplay, Brits and Nadine de Klerk accelerated the innings, putting together a rapid 71-run partnership for the third wicket. Brits led the charge, contributing 42 of those runs with aggressive stroke play. De Klerk eventually departed for 21 in the 11th over, once again falling to Claxton, who finished with three wickets. Although the rest of the lineup offered minimal support—Chloe Tryon's quick 16 off nine balls was a brief exception—Brits anchored the innings with authority. She remained unbeaten, striking nine boundaries and clearing the ropes four times to propel South Africa to 183 for 6. Chasing 184, West Indies started with intent, surpassing South Africa's powerplay score by reaching 47. However, frequent wickets disrupted their momentum, including the crucial dismissal of captain Hayley Matthews. By the eighth over, the hosts were reeling at five wickets down. A late resistance came through Chinelle Henry and Jannillea Glasgow, who stitched together an 81-run stand for the sixth wicket. But the asking rate had already ballooned beyond reach. Henry labored to 26 off 32 balls, while Glasgow remained unbeaten on 53 from 44 deliveries, hitting five fours, but their efforts weren’t enough to threaten South Africa's dominance. Marizanne Kapp’s disciplined spell of 2 for 27 further sealed the deal for the visitors.