South Africa won by 25 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at the Gaddafi Stadium, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting first, the Proteas posted 292/3 in 46 overs. Brits was the star with her career-best 171* off 141 balls, while captain Laura Wolvaardt added a classy 100.

Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt during their record-breaking 260-run stand in the second ODI against Pakistan. Photo: PCB

It was Brits’ sixth WODI century and her third in succession – following her unbeaten 101 in Tuesday’s opener and another 101 against the West Indies in June. For Wolvaardt, it was her ninth WODI century, adding to her 35 fifties in 109 matches.

Chasing a revised target of 313 in 46 overs, Pakistan were bowled out for 287 in 44.4 overs. Sidra Amin struck her second straight ton with 122, while Natalia Pervaiz made 73 and Omaima Sohail chipped in with 43.

For South Africa, all-rounder Nadine de Klerk led the bowling with 3/45 in 6.3 overs, while Marizanne Kapp with 2/37 and Chloe Tryon with 2/55 also played key roles.

Speaking after her match-winning knock, Brits said she hopes to carry her purple patch into the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“I actually don’t have words. I don’t know if people even call it form,” said Brits.

“I’m just thankful I’m getting the hundreds, and hopefully I can keep doing that in the World Cup.”

Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: PCB

She was also delighted her opening partner and skipper Wolvaardt reached three figures.

“It wasn’t just important for the team, but for her as an opening batter and as captain,“ Brits added.

“I told her, no matter what, she had to work for that hundred today. When she got to fifty, I could already see the relief on her face, and I’m just very proud of her.”

The third and final ODI will be played in Lahore on Monday, with the first ball at 12:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport