Tazmin Brits hits ton but Proteas Women frustrated after first ODI against Sri Lanka

Opening batter Brits led the charge with a commanding 116 off 128 balls guiding the home side to 270-6 after 50 overs before rain intervened in the seventh over of Sri Lanka's innings with the visitors on 23 without loss before the match was called off.

Despite losing the toss and being tasked to bat first under overcast conditions at Buffalo Park Stadium, Laura Wolvaardt (41) and Brits forged a formidable opening partnership that saw duo put on 94.

The partnership was broken when Wolvaardt was caught behind off spinner Kaveesha Dilhari's (2-47) bowling, leaving the Proteas at 96/1 after 20 overs.

Subsequently, Brits found a new ally in Anneke Bosch (39), as they pushed the Proteas Women past the 100-run mark, reaching 154/1 after 30 overs before Bosch fell, ending their 70-run partnership with Oshadi Ranasinghe (2-42) claiming the wicket.

Brits then partnered with Sune Luus (22), adding 40 runs before Luus departed in the 41st over to Sungadika Kumari (2-67).

In a remarkable innings, Brits achieved her second ODI hundred in the 42nd over, but lost another partner in Marizanne Kapp (6) shortly after, leaving the Proteas at 220/4 after 44 overs.

Brits' exceptional performance ended on 116 in the 46th over, as an attempt to loft the ball over the bowler's head resulted in Kumari taking a comfortable catch on the boundary.

With less than four overs remaining, all-rounder Nadine de Klerk's quickfire 34 off 22 balls, alongside Delmi Tucker (8 not out), carried South Africa to a total of 270-6 in their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Sri Lankan openers Vishmi Gunaratne (9 not out) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (12 not out) got their side off to a solid start, reaching 23/0 after 6.5 overs before heavy rain interrupted play.

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