Tasmin Brits won her first franchise trophy while playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), where her dance moves went viral.
Following a bright debut in the WCPL with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Brits added two more titles to her resume: WCPL champion and 'official' franchise cricket dancer. Returning to South Africa for the Proteas team's training camp in Tshwane, the 35-year-old top-order batter brought back the trophy, renewed spirit, and a lower back that barely held up after the post-match celebrations.
Playing in her first overseas league, Brits expected high tension and serious pressure. Instead, she discovered the pristine beaches of Barbados, post-match card games, and the warm welcome of the Caribbean.
“I didn’t think the league could be this fun,” Brits shared. “Playing for your country is stressful, but these people made everything so hospitable. It was such an atmosphere.”
She also noted that the experience helped her realize she has more potential. “I feel like it taught me I can do much more. It’s nice to learn. You also get different coaches, which changes a lot. You see different perspectives on your game, and sometimes you learn something from other cricket enthusiasts. So knowledge is definitely transferred.”
The presence of familiar Proteas teammates, such as Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Clercq, and Shabnim Ismail, made the Warriors' victory even sweeter. Naturally, Ismail's signature intensity easily translated to the Caribbean.
“I always like Shibs, and she definitely gets me going,” Brits said. “Every time I hit, I hear her shouting a few things in Afrikaans.”
Brits confirmed her talent not only through fun but also through performance, finishing second in runs scored in the tournament with 119 runs at an average of 30, including crucial 46 runs in the final group stage round.
Tasmin Brits is known for her signature celebrations—from the 'Ballerina' to the 'Joker Mask,' inspired by William Bane from the movie 'The Dark Knight.' When she arrived in the WCPL without pre-prepared choreography, teammates suggested adding a dance to the celebrations, creating the 'Twerking Taz.'
“I never thought I would be twerking on national television at 35,” Brits joked. “There was some negative reaction, but a lot of positivity. It was just for the spirit of the game. They even made me do it on stage when receiving the trophy.”
“It definitely goes beyond my comfort zone,” she added. “Luckily, we had a good physiotherapist because I thought my back would break, but it was all for the team.”
Beyond the dance routines, winning the trophy changed her outlook after past disappointments in World Cups with South Africa. She admitted: “I didn't know how great it was to truly feel it. It narrowed my mind in a way, that victory is definitely achievable. After all, cricket is cricket, and I definitely think we can win.”
With increased confidence and refined play, Brits brings championship energy to the Proteas team, with the physiotherapist on standby.