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Who is Tazmin Brits? SA Opener Who Outclassed NZ and Surpassed Mandhana’s ODI record

Rajgeeta Yadav

 Tazmin Brits slams stunning century against New Zealand Women [Source: AFP] Tazmin Brits slams stunning century against New Zealand Women [Source: AFP]

On October 6, South Africa opener Tazmin Brits made headlines after a stunning performance at the Women’s World Cup 2025 in Indore. The opening batter smashed her fifth century of the year and her seventh career hundred, scoring 101 runs off just 89 balls against New Zealand. Her explosive innings led South Africa to an easy six-wicket win and helped the team open their account in the tournament. 

Along with teammate Sune Luus, she built a strong 169-run partnership that completely dominated the New Zealand bowlers. With this brilliant knock, Brits also broke Indian star Smriti Mandhana’s all-time ODI record, marking a major milestone in her cricketing journey.

But who exactly is Tazmin Brits?

Tazmin Brits is a right-handed batter from South Africa, known for her attacking style and determination. Interestingly, cricket was not her first sport. She actually began her career as a javelin thrower and even won a bronze medal at the World Junior Athletics Championships. 

Brits had also qualified for the 2012 London Olympics before tragedy struck, she was involved in a severe car accident while driving to celebrate her achievement. The accident left her with multiple pelvic fractures, internal bleeding and a burst bladder. Doctors weren’t sure if she would walk again.

After a long and painful year of treatment, with help from her parents, physiotherapists, and psychologists, Brits made a remarkable recovery. She eventually turned to cricket, a sport she had enjoyed as a child. 

Notably, her natural talent with the bat quickly shone through, earning her a place in South Africa’s Emerging Players squad in 2018. That same year, she made her international debut against Bangladesh.

Though initially seen as a T20 specialist, she missed the 2020 T20 World Cup squad. However, she bounced back stronger, earning her ODI cap in 2021. Since then, Brits has represented South Africa in 41 ODIs and 48 T20Is. 

In the ongoing World Cup, she started slowly with just 5 runs against England but made a strong comeback by smashing 101 against New Zealand, her first century of the tournament and a record-breaking one at that.