South Africa Women Clinch Six-Wicket Victory Over New Zealand in Dominant World Cup Chase at Indore
South Africa Women delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand Women by six wickets in the 7th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. A composed chase led by Sune Luus and supported by Tazmin Brits ensured South Africa continued their strong campaign with another convincing win.
New Zealand’s Stuttering Start and Mid-Order Recovery
New Zealand opted to bat first but suffered an early blow when veteran opener Suzie Bates departed lbw to Marizanne Kapp without scoring. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr steadied the innings briefly before wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
Sophie Devine played a captain’s knock of 85 off 98 balls, keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive with patience and authority. Brooke Halliday added flair with a blazing 45 off 37, showcasing aggressive stroke play. However, the defining spell came from left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba who ripped through the middle order with figures of 4 for 40. New Zealand were bundled out for 231 in 47.5 overs, a total that looked competitive but not formidable.
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South Africa’s Confident Chase Led by Luus and Brits
South Africa’s reply began with early drama as captain Laura Wolvaardt was trapped lbw by Jess Kerr for 14. However, Tazmin Brits launched a counterattack with an explosive 101 off 89 deliveries, striking boundaries with ease and rotating strike effortlessly.
Sune Luus anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 83 from 114 balls. Her calculated approach ensured stability while keeping the scoreboard ticking. A brief hiccup came when Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch fell in quick succession, but South Africa never lost control of the chase. They reached 234 for 4 in 40.5 overs, sealing victory with more than nine overs to spare.
Key Performers to Note
- Tazmin Brits: Match-winning 101 under pressure
- Sune Luus: Calm and composed unbeaten 83
- Nonkululeko Mlaba: Crucial 4-wicket haul that broke New Zealand’s middle order
- Sophie Devine: Lone warrior for New Zealand with a valiant 85
What Cost New Zealand the Match
- Early collapse of top order
- Lack of partnerships beyond Sophie Devine
- Inability to contain South African batters during middle overs
South Africa’s Winning Formula
- Early control with disciplined bowling
- Calculated chase anchored by experienced batters
- Smart rotation of strike instead of big risks
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FAQ
1. Who was the Player of the Match
Tazmin Brits was the standout performer with her match-winning century during the chase.
2. What was the turning point of the match
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spell in the middle overs shifted momentum by removing key New Zealand batters and restricting the total.
3. Did New Zealand have a realistic chance after scoring 231
The score offered some hope but South Africa’s composed batting ensured there were no major pressure moments in the chase.
4. How did the pitch behave throughout the match
The pitch at Holkar Stadium offered early swing but flattened out gradually, allowing batters to play through the line comfortably.
South Africa displayed balance and maturity in all departments. Their ability to dominate pressure situations sets them apart in this World Cup. New Zealand will need quick corrections if they hope to stay alive in the tournament. The message from Indore is clear — South Africa are here not just to compete but to control.