SA vs NZ: In the ICC Women’s World Cup match between South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women, South Africa made a strong comeback, registering an easy six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Indore. This win brought South Africa to the points table, with New Zealand registering their second successive loss of the tournament.
The game witnessed exceptional performances, especially from Tazmin Brits, who extended her remarkable year to a fifth century in 2025, breaking the record for the most women’s centuries in a calendar year.
South Africa’s Clinical Chase of 232 in SA vs NZ
Following their hapless show in the last match, where they were bowled out for one of the lowest totals in ICC Women’s World Cup history, South Africa showed intent and calmness in running down 232 in 40.5 overs. The run chase was clinical and purposeful, pretty much wiping out the harm inflicted by their poor net run rate from their convincing defeat to England in Guwahati.
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s Match-Winning Spell
The win of South Africa was greatly due to the brilliant bowling display by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed 4 wickets for 40 runs. Mlaba’s spell led to a dramatic New Zealand collapse after a menacing 86-run stand between Sophie Devine and Brook Halliday had set up New Zealand well at 187/3 in the 38th over.
Halliday, who made a brisk 45 from 37 balls, was the initial casualty, top-edging a slog-sweep off Mlaba. Mlaba dismissed Maddy Green, who was caught off a reverse sweep, and went on to tighten the screws.
There was some resistance in the form of Sophie Devine, who made a fighting 85 from 106 balls, but New Zealand lost the momentum towards the end of their innings. They were bowled out for 231 with 13 overs left unused, losing 7 wickets for only 44 runs in the final 10 overs.
New Zealand’s Batting Struggle
New Zealand’s batting innings was one of lost chances. They were struggling early, being subjected to a defensive start where they took 72 dot balls in the first 15 overs.
Middle order pillar Suzie Bates (duck) and Amelia Kerr (22) were unable to click, placing too much pressure on the middle order. Although there was a rescue act by Devine and Halliday in the form of an aggressive partnership, the lower order could not bridge the gap after Devine’s fall.
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South Africa Women’s Overwhelming Reply in the Chase
Having 232 to pursue, South Africa Women were hopeful of their chances. Even after losing Laura Wolvaardt early to an LBW to Jess Kerr, Tazmin Brits took over the pursuit in a jiffy. Brits, who has been in scintillating form all this year, hammered New Zealand bowlers with a selection of breathtaking strokes. Her half-century was achieved off only 44 balls, the quickest by a South African in ODIs this season.
Brits’ belligerent style enabled Sune Luus to find her footing in her innings, and the two formed a good partnership. Though Luus found it difficult with timing, she showed great patience and determination and went on to score a well-compiled half-century off 76 balls.
Tazmin Brits’ Century and Luus’ Match-Winning 81*
Brits did finally reach her century but was removed shortly thereafter, trying to pull a delivery from Lea Tahuhu. There was a slight wobble in South Africa’s chase, but they continued on the path of chasing down the target.
Luus was a masterful hand to play with, scoring the winning runs by lofting one over extra cover to seal the win. She was unbeaten on 81, guaranteeing South Africa’s win and giving them the boost to take on their next opponent, India.
Previewing: South Africa Women vs India Women
With this vital victory, South Africa now enters their next game with a boosted confidence level, as they will take on India Women, who are at the moment leading the points table. South Africa’s win over New Zealand positions them for an thrilling encounter in Vizag on Thursday, as New Zealand will seek to pick themselves up when they play Bangladesh in Guwahati the following day.
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