‘The heat won’: Tazmin Brits disappointed not to carry Proteas over the line

Though she put up a fight for her team, opening batter Tazmin Brits admitted the conditions had got the better of her as the Proteas women fell in a 15-run defeat against India in their first game of a tri-series ODI tournament in Colombo on Tuesday.

Set a target of 277 runs to win, the SA team were restricted to 261 all out after losing their last five wickets in the space of just 13 deliveries.

Brits and Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt got them off to a good start in their chase, sharing 140 runs for the first wicket before their partnership was broken in the 28th over when Wolvaardt was removed.

And five overs later, Brits left the field with cramps after racking up 108 runs at a little faster than a run a ball – her third career ODI century – which left the Proteas scratching to regain enough momentum.

Brits returned to the crease with 16 deliveries left in the innings, but she was removed just four balls later for 109 runs, with India spinner Sneh Rana ripping through the Proteas middle-order.

“I think in general the heat over here in the sub-continent and the humidity is something no South African is actually used to, so it was a bit tough for me, especially with us fielding first for 50 overs, and then batting so long,” said Brits, who spent more than three hours at the crease.

“I got a few cramps and struggled a bit, so the heat definitely won today.”

Proteas must be cleaner, sharper

Looking ahead, Brits admitted the Proteas needed to be cleaner with the ball and in the field if they hoped to triumph in the tri-series campaign.

They spilled some catches during the first innings against India, who compiled 276/6 after opening batter Pratika Rawal (78 off 91) hit her fifth successive ODI half-century.

The Proteas were set to face hosts Sri Lanka in their next match in Colombo on Friday, as they aimed to close the gap on tri-series log leaders India, who had already picked up two wins.

“I don’t think we need to change too much. We just need to take those opportunities,” Brits said.

“As the saying goes, catches win matches, and we didn’t do that. And I think some of the bowlers can bowl a bit more tighter lines.”