Rain foils Proteas

Tazmin Brits celebrates reaching her century against Sri Lank on Tuesday in Easte London. Gallo Images

Tazmin Brits showcased her batting prowess with her second career hundred for the Proteas Women as the first ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25) One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to persistent rain in East London on Tuesday.

Brits led the charge with a commanding 116 off 128 balls, inclusive of 12 fours, guiding South Africa to 270/6 after 50 overs before rain intervened in the seventh over of Sri Lanka's innings, resulting in a no-result.

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 for the home side.

Within the opening PowerPlay, the pair amassed a half-century stand, propelling South Africa to 55/0 after 10 overs, before Brits brought up her second ODI fifty.

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

Subsequently, Brits found a new ally in Anneke Bosch (39), as they pushed South Africa 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 Suné 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*), carried South Africa to a commanding total in their allotted 50 overs.

Rain ruined the first One-Day International between South Africa and Sri Lanka on Tuesday with Buffalo Park under water after a heavy downpour. Gallo Images

In response, Sri Lankan openers Vishmi Gunaratne (9*) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (12*) got their side off to a solid start, reaching 23/0 after 6.5 overs before heavy rain interrupted play.

Following a prolonged delay, the teams settled for a shared result, each earning one ICC Women’s Championship point.

The second ODI takes place on Saturday at the Kimberley Oval in Kimberley from 2pm.