The two most in-form batters of the year in women’s ODIs coming into the ICC Women’s World Cup were Smriti Mandhana and Tazmin Brits, having scored four centuries each in the format already in 2025. While Smriti Mandhana has had two chances to improve on that tally but missed out in Guwahati against Sri Lanka and in Colombo against Pakistan, South Africa’s Brits pipped her to the record on Monday in Indore against New Zealand, becoming the first player ever to score five centuries in a calendar year in women’s ODIs. The record was previously held by Mandhana, with four centuries in 2024 as well as 2025.

After being bowled out for 69 in Guwahati for a thumping 10-wicket defeat against England, this was a stunning turnaround for Laura Wolvaardt’s side, as they chased down 232 in 40.5 over

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