Brits scores her second consecutive T20I half-century

Tazmin Brits shone once more for the Proteas Women, scoring her second consecutive T20I half-century before the second match against India in Chennai was abandoned due to rain on Sunday.

Brits recorded a 39-ball 52, featuring six fours and one six, helping South Africa to post 177-6. She was well-supported by Anneke Bosch, who scored 40 off 32 balls. The match experienced a delayed start due to rain, and continuous showers during the innings break eventually led to the game being declared a no-result. This left the visitors with a 1-0 lead as they head into the third and final T20I on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

After losing the toss and being sent into bat, openers Brits and Laura Wolvaardt (22) got off to a flying start, racing to 43-0 after four overs. Wolvaardt was then caught at point by Radha Yadav off the bowling of Pooja Vastrakar (2-37). Brits partnered with Marizanne Kapp (20) to add another 32 runs before Kapp was dismissed by Deepti Sharma (2-20), bringing the score to 75-2 in the ninth over.

Brits and Bosch effectively combined to push South Africa past 100 runs. Brits celebrated her 11th T20I fifty, reaching the milestone in just 36 deliveries. The third-wicket partnership of 38 runs ended in the 14th over when Sharma picked up her second wicket with Brits being stumped by wicketkeeper Uma Chetry, leaving South Africa at 113-3.

After Brits' departure, Bosch took charge, supported by Chloé Tryon (12) and Nadine de Klerk (14), propelling the Proteas past 150. Two wickets fell in quick succession in the 19th and 20th overs, reducing the visitors to 164-6. With five balls remaining, young all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (12*) hit three consecutive boundaries to finish the innings.

The rain ultimately had the final say, as the match was abandoned, leaving the Proteas Women with a chance to seal the series in the final T20I.