South Africa Crush New Zealand by 6 Wickets as Tazmin Brits Hits Stunning Century
South Africa Crush New Zealand by 6 Wickets in Women's World Cup 2025 South Africa Crush New Zealand by 6 Wickets as Tazmin Brits Hits Stunning Century. South Africa Women produced a remarkable comeback at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, defeating New Zealand Women by six wickets in the tournament's seventh match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on 6 October 2025.
A magnificent century from Tazmin Brits and a composed innings from Sune Luus helped the Proteas chase down a target of 232 with 55 balls remaining.
New Zealand posted 231 runs in 47.5 overs after choosing to bat first. Captain Sophie Devine top-scored with 85, but Nonkululeko Mlaba's excellent bowling performance restricted the White Ferns' total.
In reply, South Africa reached 234/4 in 40.5 overs. Brits scored 101 from 89 deliveries, while Luus remained unbeaten on 83. Their outstanding second-wicket partnership became the defining moment of the match.
The victory was particularly important for South Africa after their disappointing 69-run innings against England in their opening World Cup fixture.
New Zealand posted 231 runs in 47.5 overs after choosing to bat first. Captain Sophie Devine top-scored with 85, but Nonkululeko Mlaba's excellent bowling performance restricted the White Ferns' total.
In reply, South Africa reached 234/4 in 40.5 overs. Brits scored 101 from 89 deliveries, while Luus remained unbeaten on 83. Their outstanding second-wicket partnership became the defining moment of the match.
The victory was particularly important for South Africa after their disappointing 69-run innings against England in their opening World Cup fixture.
Match Details: South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women
Match InformationDetails
Tournament ICC Women's World Cup 2025
Match 7th Match
Date 6 October 2025
Venue Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Format Women's ODI
Toss New Zealand Women elected to bat
New Zealand 231 all out (47.5 overs)
South Africa 234/4 (40.5 overs)
Result South Africa won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match Tazmin Brits
New Zealand Women Score 231 Runs After Middle-Order Collapse
New Zealand Women began their innings with an early setback when experienced opener Suzie Bates was dismissed for a golden duck by Ayabonga Khaka.
The early wicket put pressure on the White Ferns, but Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr attempted to rebuild the innings. However, South Africa maintained disciplined bowling, making it difficult for New Zealand to score freely during the opening overs.
Amelia Kerr departed for 17, while Plimmer contributed 31 from 68 deliveries. Their dismissals brought captain Sophie Devine to the crease, and she once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most dependable batters in international women's cricket.
Devine played an important innings of 85 runs from 98 balls, including eight fours and one six. She found valuable support from Brooke Halliday, who scored an aggressive 45 from 37 deliveries.
The pair added 86 runs, giving New Zealand an opportunity to build a competitive total. At 187/3, the White Ferns appeared capable of reaching a score considerably higher than 250.
However, South Africa produced an excellent bowling comeback.
Nonkululeko Mlaba changed the direction of the innings with a brilliant spell of left-arm spin. She dismissed Halliday, Maddy Green and Jess Kerr in a crucial period before completing her four-wicket haul.
New Zealand lost seven wickets for just 44 runs, eventually being bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs.
Mlaba finished with figures of 4/40, while Nadine de Klerk claimed three wickets for 38 runs. Ayabonga Khaka also contributed two important wickets.
New Zealand Women's Batting Scorecard
BatterRunsBalls
Suzie Bates 0 1
Georgia Plimmer 31 68
Amelia Kerr 17 42
Sophie Devine 85 98
Brooke Halliday 45 37
Maddy Green 0 1
Jess Kerr 8 12
Lea Tahuhu 11 15
Hannah Rowe 5 10
Eden Carson 2* 3
Rosemary Mair 0 1
Total 231 47.5 overs
Top performer: Sophie Devine – 85 runs.
South Africa Women's Bowling Figures
BowlerOversRunsWickets
Ayabonga Khaka 9 52 2
Masabata Klaas 8.5 48 1
Marizanne Kapp 10 41 0
Nadine de Klerk 10 38 3
Nonkululeko Mlaba 9.5 40 4
Chloe Tryon 10 37 1
Tazmin Brits Scores a Brilliant Century in South Africa's Chase
Chasing 232 runs, South Africa needed a strong start after their disappointing performance against England.
New Zealand managed an early breakthrough when Rosemary Mair dismissed captain Laura Wolvaardt for five runs. However, that wicket did little to stop South Africa's momentum.
Tazmin Brits was joined by Sune Luus, and the pair gradually took control of the chase.
Brits displayed excellent timing, attacking intent and confidence against both pace and spin. She punished loose deliveries and regularly found the boundaries, putting pressure on New Zealand's bowling attack.
Luus, meanwhile, played a more measured innings. Her ability to rotate the strike and find gaps allowed Brits to play her natural attacking game.
The partnership continued to grow, with both batters combining aggression and patience. Their 159-run second-wicket stand completely changed the match situation.
Brits reached her century from just 89 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and two sixes. Her innings of 101 was the standout performance of the contest.
She eventually departed after giving South Africa a commanding position in the chase.
Luus continued to bat confidently, reaching 83 from 92 deliveries. Anneke Bosch contributed 12 runs before Luus finished the match with a boundary.
South Africa reached 234/4 in 40.5 overs, securing a convincing six-wicket victory with 55 balls remaining.
South Africa Women's Batting Scorecard
BatterRunsBalls
Laura Wolvaardt 5 8
Tazmin Brits 101 89
Sune Luus 83* 92
Anneke Bosch 12 15
Marizanne Kapp 0* 1
Total 234/4 40.5 overs
Top performer: Tazmin Brits – 101 runs from 89 balls.
New Zealand Women's Bowling Figures
BowlerOversRunsWickets
Rosemary Mair 7.5 50 1
Hannah Rowe 6 39 0
Lea Tahuhu 8 41 1
Jess Kerr 7 47 0
Amelia Kerr 10 62 2
Eden Carson 2 14 1
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits
Tazmin Brits was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding century.
Her 101-run innings was not simply about scoring quickly. She showed excellent awareness of the match situation and understood when to attack and when to build the partnership.
Her performance also demonstrated South Africa's batting strength following their disappointing opening match.
The partnership with Sune Luus was equally important. While Brits provided the attacking momentum, Luus ensured that South Africa maintained control throughout the chase.
Nonkululeko Mlaba's Four-Wicket Haul Changes the Match
Although Tazmin Brits received the Player of the Match award, Nonkululeko Mlaba also deserves significant recognition.
Her figures of 4/40 played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 231 runs.
At one stage, New Zealand were 187/3 and appeared well placed to finish with a much bigger total. Mlaba's important breakthroughs disrupted their momentum and exposed the lower order.
Her performance highlighted the importance of spin bowling in women's ODI cricket, particularly when teams are looking to control the middle overs.
Nadine de Klerk also made a valuable contribution with three wickets, ensuring that New Zealand could not recover from their late collapse.
Key Turning Points of the Match
1. Suzie Bates' early dismissal: New Zealand lost an experienced opener on the first delivery, immediately putting pressure on their batting line-up.
2. Sophie Devine's innings: Her 85 runs gave the White Ferns a foundation, but the team could not build a sufficiently large total around her contribution.
3. Mlaba's bowling spell: Her four wickets prevented New Zealand from reaching a more competitive score.
4. Brits and Luus' partnership: Their 159-run stand effectively took the game away from New Zealand.
5. South Africa's confident finish: Completing the chase with 55 balls remaining demonstrated the difference between the two teams' batting performances.
What This Result Means for the Women's World Cup 2025
This victory was an important response from South Africa after their difficult opening match against England.
The Proteas showed that they could recover from a disappointing performance and compete strongly against another major international side.
For New Zealand, the defeat created additional pressure following their earlier loss to Australia. Their batting collapse highlighted the need for greater consistency, particularly during the middle and final stages of an ODI innings.
The result also underlined how important partnerships are in tournament cricket. New Zealand had a promising platform, but South Africa's bowlers prevented them from capitalising. In contrast, the Proteas built a match-winning partnership that made the chase considerably easier.
Additional Analysis: Why South Africa's Victory Matters
South Africa's six-wicket victory was more than just two important points in the Women's World Cup. It demonstrated the importance of mental strength and adaptability in a major international tournament.
After being dismissed for only 69 runs against England, the Proteas needed a convincing response. Their performance in Indore showed significant improvement in both batting and bowling.
The bowling unit deserves particular credit for recovering from New Zealand's promising position. Mlaba and de Klerk controlled the middle overs, while the fielding unit supported the bowlers with important contributions.
The batting performance was equally impressive. Brits and Luus did not allow the early dismissal of Wolvaardt to create unnecessary pressure. Instead, they focused on building a partnership and steadily reducing the required target.
For New Zealand, the biggest lesson was the importance of batting depth. A strong innings from Sophie Devine was not enough because the lower order failed to contribute meaningful runs.
As the tournament progressed, both teams needed to address their weaknesses. South Africa could take confidence from this performance, while New Zealand needed a stronger collective batting effort in their upcoming fixtures.
Conclusion
South Africa Women delivered an impressive performance to defeat New Zealand Women by six wickets in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025.
Tazmin Brits was the star of the match with a brilliant 101, while Sune Luus supported her with an unbeaten 83. Earlier, Nonkululeko Mlaba's four-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 231 runs despite Sophie Devine's excellent 85.
The result gave South Africa a valuable confidence boost after their opening defeat and left New Zealand searching for answers following consecutive losses.
The biggest takeaway from this match was South Africa's ability to respond under pressure. Their outstanding batting partnership and disciplined bowling demonstrated why they remained a competitive force in women's international cricket.
**What did you think of Tazmin Brits' century and Nonkululeko Mlaba's bowling performance? Can South Africa maintain this momentum in the Women's World Cup 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!NZ Women vs SA Women, 7th Match at Indore, Women's World Cup, Oct 06 2025 - Match Result.
7th Match (D/N), Indore, October 06, 2025, ICC Women's World Cup
NZ-W 231 (47.5 ov)
SA-W (40.5/50 ov, T:232) 234/4
SA Women won by 6 wickets (with 55 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits (SA-W)
Match Overview
In a match that encapsulated the highs and lows of international women's cricket, South Africa delivered a resounding statement at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on October 6, 2025.
Chasing a seemingly defendable 231, the Proteas romped home with six wickets in hand and over nine overs to spare, thanks to a masterful century from opener Tazmin Brits and a composed 83 from Sune Luus. This victory, their first in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, came after a humiliating 69 all out against England in their opener—a collapse that had left them rock bottom on the points table.
For New Zealand, it was a second consecutive defeat, following an 89-run drubbing by Australia, leaving the White Ferns' campaign in tatters and their net run rate in freefall.
The game, played under day-night conditions on a pitch that offered something for both bat and ball after early moisture, saw New Zealand win the toss and elect to bat. Captain Sophie Devine, fresh off a heroic 112 in the opener, once again anchored the innings with 85, but her efforts were undermined by a dramatic collapse triggered by South Africa's left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Mlaba's 4 for 40, including a devastating second spell, dismantled the lower order as New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.
The game, played under day-night conditions on a pitch that offered something for both bat and ball after early moisture, saw New Zealand win the toss and elect to bat. Captain Sophie Devine, fresh off a heroic 112 in the opener, once again anchored the innings with 85, but her efforts were undermined by a dramatic collapse triggered by South Africa's left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Mlaba's 4 for 40, including a devastating second spell, dismantled the lower order as New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.
The chase, however, was never in doubt. Brits, in the form of her life, bludgeoned her way to 101 off 89 balls—her fifth ODI hundred of 2025, a calendar-year record for women's cricket—while Luus played the perfect foil in a 159-run second-wicket stand that is now the highest for South Africa in Women's World Cups for any wicket.
This result catapults South Africa to fifth on the points table with two points and an improved net run rate of -1.424, while New Zealand languish at the bottom with zero points from two matches. For the Proteas, it's a timely boost ahead of their clash with hosts India in Visakhapatnam on October 9. New Zealand, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for Bangladesh in Guwahati on October 10, with questions swirling around their batting depth and bowling variety.
The Holkar Stadium, with its vast outfield and true bounce, has hosted some memorable World Cup moments, but none quite like this redemption arc for South Africa. Under floodlights, with a crowd of around 18,000—buoyed by local support for the tournament—witnessing Brits' bow-and-arrow celebration upon reaching her ton, the atmosphere was electric. Umpires Shathira Jakir and Kim Cotton had their hands full early with a DRS review on the first ball, but the game quickly settled into a rhythm that favored the team that adapted best.
Pre-Match Context: Two Teams Desperate for Redemption
Both sides entered this fixture nursing wounds from their opening-day thrashings. New Zealand's 89-run loss to Australia on October 3 at the same venue was a stark reminder of their ODI struggles. Despite Devine's valiant century, the White Ferns were bowled out for 237 chasing 327, exposed by Australia's depth with Alyssa Healy's 99 and Ash Gardner's all-round masterclass. It was their fourth defeat in five ODIs leading into the World Cup, a run marred by a lack of preparation—no bilateral ODIs in the six months prior—and injuries to key players like Flora Devonshire, replaced by Hannah Rowe.
Sophie Devine, in her 200th ODI, spoke post-match about the need for "collective resilience," but the stats were damning: New Zealand had crossed 250 only twice since January 2024, and their bowling attack, reliant on the Kerr sisters (Amelia and Jess) and Lea Tahuhu, lacked penetration on flat tracks. Veteran Suzie Bates, playing her 350th international, added experience, but the middle order—Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green—had been inconsistent. The toss win was a small mercy, allowing them to set a total on a pitch expected to slow down under lights.
South Africa's nightmare in Guwahati was even worse: bowled out for 69 by England's seamers, their lowest World Cup total since 1997. Captain Laura Wolvaardt's 0 and Tazmin Brits' 4 highlighted a top-order implosion, while their last two ODIs before the tournament—a 115 all out against Pakistan and a narrow loss to India—pointed to deeper issues. The Proteas, perennial semi-finalists but yet to win a World Cup, had won just one of four in a tri-series against India and Sri Lanka earlier in 2025. However, their tour of West Indies in June yielded a 2-1 series win, with Brits and Sune Luus starring.
Wolvaardt, rested in one warm-up but back as captain, emphasized "mental reset" in the pre-match huddle. Changes were minimal: Anneke Bosch retained over all-rounder Annerie Dercksen, while Mlaba's inclusion over Tumi Sekhukhune added spin variety. Marizanne Kapp, with her 155th ODI breaking Mignon du Preez's record for most appearances, brought fire to the attack. Both teams knew Indore's weather—overcast with hazy sunshine—could aid swing early, but the flat track from Australia's opener suggested batting would dominate.
Head-to-head, South Africa led 12-10 in ODIs since 2017, but New Zealand's two wins in the last three encounters (including a 2024 series whitewash) gave them psychological edge. Yet, form favored no one—both sides' recent collapses mirrored each other. As Devine strode out for the anthems, the stakes were clear: a win here could ignite campaigns; another loss might spell early elimination.
Toss and Team News
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine called correctly at the toss and opted to bat, citing the dew factor under lights and a pitch with "a bit of grass" that might assist seamers early. "We want to put a competitive total on the board and let our bowlers do the rest," Devine said, alluding to the success of chasing in Indore's opener. The White Ferns named an unchanged XI from their loss to Australia: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Sophie Devine (c), Jesse Kerr (vc), Lea Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, Eden Carson, and Rosemary Mair. The emphasis was on stability, with leg-spinner Amelia Kerr key to breaking partnerships.
South Africa, buoyed by their bench strength, stuck with the side that crumbled against England, bringing back Mlaba for her second World Cup game. Wolvaardt won the pre-toss chat, joking about "flipping a coin with destiny." Their XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, and Sinalo Jafta (wk). Dercksen's omission raised eyebrows, but Wolvaardt backed Bosch's experience. Kapp, reaching her 155th cap, became South Africa's most-capped ODI player, surpassing du Preez—a milestone celebrated with a team huddle.
Umpires Jakir and Cotton, alongside TV umpire Jacqueline Williams, oversaw proceedings. The match referee was Amita Sharma. Weather held—26°C at toss, 70% humidity—but forecasts predicted light showers later, potentially aiding the chase.
New Zealand Innings: A Promising Start, A Dismal Collapse (231 all out in 47.5 overs)
New Zealand's innings began with high drama. On the first ball of the match, Ayabonga Khaka, swinging the new ball like a dream under overcast skies, trapped Suzie Bates lbw with a full inswinger. Bates, in her 350th international, reviewed immediately—New Zealand's first of two—but Hawk-Eye confirmed the umpire's call by a whisker. Out for a golden duck, Bates' exit silenced the New Zealand camp and handed South Africa an early psychological blow. Score: 0/1 after 0.1 overs.
Georgia Plimmer joined Amelia Kerr at the crease, and the pair rebuilt cautiously against Khaka and Masabata Klaas, who extracted bounce from the seam-friendly surface. Plimmer, scratchy early, survived a testing spell, while Kerr rotated strike with nudges and glances. By the 10th over, New Zealand had crawled to 38/1, with 13 extras—wides and no-balls from Klaas—propping up the score. The Powerplay ended at 38/1, slower than Australia's 52/0 in the opener.
Sophie Devine entered at No. 4 after Kerr holed out to mid-off off Nadine de Klerk in the 13th over (17 off 42 balls). Devine, sensing the need for acceleration, unleashed her trademark drives. She lofted Mlaba over cover for six in the 15th over, her first boundary, and followed with a crisp off-drive against Khaka. Partnered with Plimmer, Devine pushed the score to 100/2 by the 25th over, but Plimmer's labor (31 off 68, strike rate 45) irked the dressing room. She fell to de Klerk, bowled by a straighter one, leaving New Zealand at 101/3.
Brooke Halliday now joined Devine, and this partnership—86 runs off 72 balls—infused life into the innings. Halliday, aggressive from the outset, smashed six fours in her 37-ball 45, including a pulled four off Kapp and a sweep against Mlaba. Devine, elegance personified, reached her fifty off 62 balls with a lofted cover drive. The duo's running between wickets was electric, converting singles into twos on the vast outfield. At 187/3 after 38 overs, New Zealand eyed 280, with the required rate under control.
But Mlaba, introduced for her second spell in the 39th over, scripted a masterclass. Her left-arm darts gripped the pitch, turning sharply. First, Halliday (45) reverse-swept straight to short third man—187/4. Maddy Green followed next ball, reverse-sweeping to backward point—187/5. Jesse Kerr edged a turning ball to slip—192/6. Mlaba's figures: 5-0-18-3 in the spell. Devine, now beached on 85 (off 98 balls, 8x4, 1x6), fought valiantly, farming strike and piercing gaps. But Lea Tahuhu holed out to long-on off Tryon (200/7), and Hannah Rowe skied one to cover off Klaas (215/8).
Devine perished in the 47th over, bowled by de Klerk attempting a wild slog—225/9. Mlaba mopped up, trapping Rosemary Mair lbw to end the innings at 231 in 47.5 overs. Devine's 85 was the top score, but the collapse—last seven wickets for 44—highlighted familiar frailties. South Africa's fielding was sharp: Jafta took three catches, Luus two. Mlaba's 4/40 earned her the headlines, but de Klerk (2/38) and Khaka (2/52) shared spoils.
New Zealand's total was par at best on a pitch yielding 326 in the previous game. Extras (28) hurt, and the middle overs' slowdown (run rate dipping to 3.8) proved costly. As the players walked off under fading light, Devine shook her head—another near-miss for the Ferns.
New Zealand Innings Scorecard:
BatsmanDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSRSW Bates lbw b Khaka 0 1 0 0 0.00
GE Plimmer b de Klerk 31 68 2 0 45.59
AC Kerr c Bosch b de Klerk 17 42 0 0 40.48
SFM Devine (c) b de Klerk 85 98 8 1 86.73
BJ Halliday c Jafta b Mlaba 45 37 6 0 121.62
MC Green c Brits b Mlaba 0 1 0 0 0.00
J Kerr c Wolvaardt b Mlaba 8 12 0 0 66.67
L Tahuhu c Luus b Tryon 11 15 1 0 73.33
HM Rowe c Jafta b Klaas 5 10 0 0 50.00
EC Carson not out 2 3 0 0 66.67
RM Mair lbw b Mlaba 0 1 0 0 0.00
Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 18, nb 2) 28
Total (all out, 47.5 ov) 231 17 1 4.85 rpo
Fall of Wickets: 0-1 (Bates, 0.1 ov), 38-2 (Kerr, 12.6 ov), 101-3 (Plimmer, 25.4 ov), 187-4 (Halliday, 38.1 ov), 187-5 (Green, 38.2 ov), 192-6 (J Kerr, 40.4 ov), 200-7 (Tahuhu, 42.3 ov), 215-8 (Rowe, 45.2 ov), 225-9 (Devine, 46.6 ov), 231-10 (Mair, 47.5 ov)
South Africa Bowling:
BowlerOvMRWEcoA Khaka 9 0 52 2 5.78
M Klaas 8.5 0 48 1 5.49
M Kapp 10 0 41 0 4.10
N de Klerk 10 0 38 3 3.80
N Mlaba 9.5 0 40 4 4.14
C Tryon 10 0 37 1 3.70
South Africa Innings: Brits' Fireworks and Luus' Poise Seal the Deal (234/4 in 40.5 overs)
If New Zealand's innings was a slow-burn tragedy, South Africa's chase was a fireworks display. Opening under lights, with dew making the ball skid, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits faced a probing new-ball spell from Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe. Mair struck early: Wolvaardt (5 off 8) edged a full outswinger to Amelia Kerr at second slip—5/1 after 2.3 overs. Enter Sune Luus at No. 3, and what followed was a masterclass in partnership building.
Brits, the architect of South Africa's resurgence, took charge immediately. After a steady start—18/1 at Powerplay end—she exploded post-10 overs. Against Amelia Kerr's leg-spin, Brits danced down the track, lofting three boundaries in an over: a cover drive, a sweep, and a reverse sweep that screamed to the fence. Her fifty arrived off 44 balls, the fastest of her ODI career, with a pulled four off Jess Kerr. Luus, understated but effective, rotated strike with pushes into the covers and glances fine. By 20 overs, South Africa were 110/1, ahead of the DLS par.
The second-wicket stand swelled to 159—Brits 101, Luus 83—dominating the spinners. Brits reached her hundred off 89 balls with a bow-and-arrow salute, her fifth of 2025, eclipsing Smriti Mandhana's four. She fell soon after, miscuing a lofted shot off Carson to long-on (211/2, 37.3 ov). Anneke Bosch (12 off 15) joined Luus, adding 21 before Bosch holed out to deep midwicket off Tahuhu—232/3 (40.1 ov). Luus, on 83 (92 balls, 7x4), chipped Mair over extra cover for the winning boundary four balls later. Marizanne Kapp (0*) watched from the non-striker's end as South Africa romped home.
New Zealand's fielding, solid early, wilted under pressure. Devine rotated her bowlers well—Kerr's 10-0-62-2 the best—but the lack of wickets in the middle overs proved fatal. The dew, as predicted, aided batting, and South Africa's Powerplay (54/1) dwarfed New Zealand's 38/1. Brits' innings—13 fours, 2 sixes, SR 113.48—was a statement, her 1,200th ODI run of 2025 cementing her as the year's top run-scorer.
This chase, completed in 40.5 overs, was South Africa's most dominant in a World Cup since 2017. Luus' fifty (her 16th in ODIs) was the glue, while the lower order remained unused. As confetti rained, Wolvaardt hugged Brits—redemption tasted sweet.
South Africa Innings Scorecard:
BatsmanDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSRL Wolvaardt (c) c AC Kerr b Mair 5 8 1 0 62.50
T Brits c Green b Carson 101 89 13 2 113.48
S Luus not out 83 92 7 0 90.22
A Bosch c Halliday b Tahuhu 12 15 1 0 80.00
M Kapp not out 0 1 0 0 0.00
Extras (lb 2, w 31) 33
Total (4 wkts, 40.5 ov) 234 22 2 5.75 rpo
Fall of Wickets: 5-1 (Wolvaardt, 2.3 ov), 211-2 (Brits, 37.3 ov), 232-3 (Bosch, 40.1 ov), 232-4 (de Klerk, 40.2 ov) [Did not bat: N de Klerk, CE Tryon, N Mlaba, M Klaas, A Khaka, S Jafta]
New Zealand Bowling:
BowlerOvMRWEcoRM Mair 7.5 0 50 1 6.45
HM Rowe 6 0 39 0 6.50
L Tahuhu 8 0 41 1 5.12
J Kerr 7 0 47 0 6.71
AC Kerr 10 0 62 2 6.20
EC Carson 2 0 14 1 7.00
Post-Match Analysis: Key Performances and Turning Points
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits – Her 101 dismantled New Zealand's attack, blending aggression with control. "One for the records," she quipped, surpassing Meg Lanning's mark for most ODI tons in a year. Brits' takedown of Kerr—five boundaries in nine balls—neutralized spin threats.
Sophie Devine's Grit: 85 off 98, her second straight fifty-plus, but unsupported. New Zealand's collapse post-187/3 echoes patterns: since 2024, they've lost 8/10 innings with 50+ stands.
Mlaba's Magic: The 23-year-old's 4/40, including three in five balls, swung momentum. Her second spell (18/4) exploited footmarks, proving South Africa's spin depth.
Turning points: Bates' duck (0/1), the Devine-Halliday stand (86 runs), Mlaba's burst (44 runs for 7 wkts), and Brits' acceleration (110/1 at 20 ov).
Stats highlights: Brits' 159-run stand with Luus is SA's highest WC partnership. New Zealand's 231 is their highest vs SA since 2022, but lowest winning total chased in Indore WC games.
Tactically, Devine's bat-first call backfired on a dew-affected pitch. Wolvaardt's unchanged XI paid off, with Mlaba over Sekhukhune vindicated.
This result catapults South Africa to fifth on the points table with two points and an improved net run rate of -1.424, while New Zealand languish at the bottom with zero points from two matches. For the Proteas, it's a timely boost ahead of their clash with hosts India in Visakhapatnam on October 9. New Zealand, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for Bangladesh in Guwahati on October 10, with questions swirling around their batting depth and bowling variety.
The Holkar Stadium, with its vast outfield and true bounce, has hosted some memorable World Cup moments, but none quite like this redemption arc for South Africa. Under floodlights, with a crowd of around 18,000—buoyed by local support for the tournament—witnessing Brits' bow-and-arrow celebration upon reaching her ton, the atmosphere was electric. Umpires Shathira Jakir and Kim Cotton had their hands full early with a DRS review on the first ball, but the game quickly settled into a rhythm that favored the team that adapted best.
Pre-Match Context: Two Teams Desperate for Redemption
Both sides entered this fixture nursing wounds from their opening-day thrashings. New Zealand's 89-run loss to Australia on October 3 at the same venue was a stark reminder of their ODI struggles. Despite Devine's valiant century, the White Ferns were bowled out for 237 chasing 327, exposed by Australia's depth with Alyssa Healy's 99 and Ash Gardner's all-round masterclass. It was their fourth defeat in five ODIs leading into the World Cup, a run marred by a lack of preparation—no bilateral ODIs in the six months prior—and injuries to key players like Flora Devonshire, replaced by Hannah Rowe.
Sophie Devine, in her 200th ODI, spoke post-match about the need for "collective resilience," but the stats were damning: New Zealand had crossed 250 only twice since January 2024, and their bowling attack, reliant on the Kerr sisters (Amelia and Jess) and Lea Tahuhu, lacked penetration on flat tracks. Veteran Suzie Bates, playing her 350th international, added experience, but the middle order—Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green—had been inconsistent. The toss win was a small mercy, allowing them to set a total on a pitch expected to slow down under lights.
South Africa's nightmare in Guwahati was even worse: bowled out for 69 by England's seamers, their lowest World Cup total since 1997. Captain Laura Wolvaardt's 0 and Tazmin Brits' 4 highlighted a top-order implosion, while their last two ODIs before the tournament—a 115 all out against Pakistan and a narrow loss to India—pointed to deeper issues. The Proteas, perennial semi-finalists but yet to win a World Cup, had won just one of four in a tri-series against India and Sri Lanka earlier in 2025. However, their tour of West Indies in June yielded a 2-1 series win, with Brits and Sune Luus starring.
Wolvaardt, rested in one warm-up but back as captain, emphasized "mental reset" in the pre-match huddle. Changes were minimal: Anneke Bosch retained over all-rounder Annerie Dercksen, while Mlaba's inclusion over Tumi Sekhukhune added spin variety. Marizanne Kapp, with her 155th ODI breaking Mignon du Preez's record for most appearances, brought fire to the attack. Both teams knew Indore's weather—overcast with hazy sunshine—could aid swing early, but the flat track from Australia's opener suggested batting would dominate.
Head-to-head, South Africa led 12-10 in ODIs since 2017, but New Zealand's two wins in the last three encounters (including a 2024 series whitewash) gave them psychological edge. Yet, form favored no one—both sides' recent collapses mirrored each other. As Devine strode out for the anthems, the stakes were clear: a win here could ignite campaigns; another loss might spell early elimination.
Toss and Team News
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine called correctly at the toss and opted to bat, citing the dew factor under lights and a pitch with "a bit of grass" that might assist seamers early. "We want to put a competitive total on the board and let our bowlers do the rest," Devine said, alluding to the success of chasing in Indore's opener. The White Ferns named an unchanged XI from their loss to Australia: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Sophie Devine (c), Jesse Kerr (vc), Lea Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, Eden Carson, and Rosemary Mair. The emphasis was on stability, with leg-spinner Amelia Kerr key to breaking partnerships.
South Africa, buoyed by their bench strength, stuck with the side that crumbled against England, bringing back Mlaba for her second World Cup game. Wolvaardt won the pre-toss chat, joking about "flipping a coin with destiny." Their XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, and Sinalo Jafta (wk). Dercksen's omission raised eyebrows, but Wolvaardt backed Bosch's experience. Kapp, reaching her 155th cap, became South Africa's most-capped ODI player, surpassing du Preez—a milestone celebrated with a team huddle.
Umpires Jakir and Cotton, alongside TV umpire Jacqueline Williams, oversaw proceedings. The match referee was Amita Sharma. Weather held—26°C at toss, 70% humidity—but forecasts predicted light showers later, potentially aiding the chase.
New Zealand Innings: A Promising Start, A Dismal Collapse (231 all out in 47.5 overs)
New Zealand's innings began with high drama. On the first ball of the match, Ayabonga Khaka, swinging the new ball like a dream under overcast skies, trapped Suzie Bates lbw with a full inswinger. Bates, in her 350th international, reviewed immediately—New Zealand's first of two—but Hawk-Eye confirmed the umpire's call by a whisker. Out for a golden duck, Bates' exit silenced the New Zealand camp and handed South Africa an early psychological blow. Score: 0/1 after 0.1 overs.
Georgia Plimmer joined Amelia Kerr at the crease, and the pair rebuilt cautiously against Khaka and Masabata Klaas, who extracted bounce from the seam-friendly surface. Plimmer, scratchy early, survived a testing spell, while Kerr rotated strike with nudges and glances. By the 10th over, New Zealand had crawled to 38/1, with 13 extras—wides and no-balls from Klaas—propping up the score. The Powerplay ended at 38/1, slower than Australia's 52/0 in the opener.
Sophie Devine entered at No. 4 after Kerr holed out to mid-off off Nadine de Klerk in the 13th over (17 off 42 balls). Devine, sensing the need for acceleration, unleashed her trademark drives. She lofted Mlaba over cover for six in the 15th over, her first boundary, and followed with a crisp off-drive against Khaka. Partnered with Plimmer, Devine pushed the score to 100/2 by the 25th over, but Plimmer's labor (31 off 68, strike rate 45) irked the dressing room. She fell to de Klerk, bowled by a straighter one, leaving New Zealand at 101/3.
Brooke Halliday now joined Devine, and this partnership—86 runs off 72 balls—infused life into the innings. Halliday, aggressive from the outset, smashed six fours in her 37-ball 45, including a pulled four off Kapp and a sweep against Mlaba. Devine, elegance personified, reached her fifty off 62 balls with a lofted cover drive. The duo's running between wickets was electric, converting singles into twos on the vast outfield. At 187/3 after 38 overs, New Zealand eyed 280, with the required rate under control.
But Mlaba, introduced for her second spell in the 39th over, scripted a masterclass. Her left-arm darts gripped the pitch, turning sharply. First, Halliday (45) reverse-swept straight to short third man—187/4. Maddy Green followed next ball, reverse-sweeping to backward point—187/5. Jesse Kerr edged a turning ball to slip—192/6. Mlaba's figures: 5-0-18-3 in the spell. Devine, now beached on 85 (off 98 balls, 8x4, 1x6), fought valiantly, farming strike and piercing gaps. But Lea Tahuhu holed out to long-on off Tryon (200/7), and Hannah Rowe skied one to cover off Klaas (215/8).
Devine perished in the 47th over, bowled by de Klerk attempting a wild slog—225/9. Mlaba mopped up, trapping Rosemary Mair lbw to end the innings at 231 in 47.5 overs. Devine's 85 was the top score, but the collapse—last seven wickets for 44—highlighted familiar frailties. South Africa's fielding was sharp: Jafta took three catches, Luus two. Mlaba's 4/40 earned her the headlines, but de Klerk (2/38) and Khaka (2/52) shared spoils.
New Zealand's total was par at best on a pitch yielding 326 in the previous game. Extras (28) hurt, and the middle overs' slowdown (run rate dipping to 3.8) proved costly. As the players walked off under fading light, Devine shook her head—another near-miss for the Ferns.
New Zealand Innings Scorecard:
BatsmanDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSRSW Bates lbw b Khaka 0 1 0 0 0.00
GE Plimmer b de Klerk 31 68 2 0 45.59
AC Kerr c Bosch b de Klerk 17 42 0 0 40.48
SFM Devine (c) b de Klerk 85 98 8 1 86.73
BJ Halliday c Jafta b Mlaba 45 37 6 0 121.62
MC Green c Brits b Mlaba 0 1 0 0 0.00
J Kerr c Wolvaardt b Mlaba 8 12 0 0 66.67
L Tahuhu c Luus b Tryon 11 15 1 0 73.33
HM Rowe c Jafta b Klaas 5 10 0 0 50.00
EC Carson not out 2 3 0 0 66.67
RM Mair lbw b Mlaba 0 1 0 0 0.00
Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 18, nb 2) 28
Total (all out, 47.5 ov) 231 17 1 4.85 rpo
Fall of Wickets: 0-1 (Bates, 0.1 ov), 38-2 (Kerr, 12.6 ov), 101-3 (Plimmer, 25.4 ov), 187-4 (Halliday, 38.1 ov), 187-5 (Green, 38.2 ov), 192-6 (J Kerr, 40.4 ov), 200-7 (Tahuhu, 42.3 ov), 215-8 (Rowe, 45.2 ov), 225-9 (Devine, 46.6 ov), 231-10 (Mair, 47.5 ov)
South Africa Bowling:
BowlerOvMRWEcoA Khaka 9 0 52 2 5.78
M Klaas 8.5 0 48 1 5.49
M Kapp 10 0 41 0 4.10
N de Klerk 10 0 38 3 3.80
N Mlaba 9.5 0 40 4 4.14
C Tryon 10 0 37 1 3.70
South Africa Innings: Brits' Fireworks and Luus' Poise Seal the Deal (234/4 in 40.5 overs)
If New Zealand's innings was a slow-burn tragedy, South Africa's chase was a fireworks display. Opening under lights, with dew making the ball skid, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits faced a probing new-ball spell from Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe. Mair struck early: Wolvaardt (5 off 8) edged a full outswinger to Amelia Kerr at second slip—5/1 after 2.3 overs. Enter Sune Luus at No. 3, and what followed was a masterclass in partnership building.
Brits, the architect of South Africa's resurgence, took charge immediately. After a steady start—18/1 at Powerplay end—she exploded post-10 overs. Against Amelia Kerr's leg-spin, Brits danced down the track, lofting three boundaries in an over: a cover drive, a sweep, and a reverse sweep that screamed to the fence. Her fifty arrived off 44 balls, the fastest of her ODI career, with a pulled four off Jess Kerr. Luus, understated but effective, rotated strike with pushes into the covers and glances fine. By 20 overs, South Africa were 110/1, ahead of the DLS par.
The second-wicket stand swelled to 159—Brits 101, Luus 83—dominating the spinners. Brits reached her hundred off 89 balls with a bow-and-arrow salute, her fifth of 2025, eclipsing Smriti Mandhana's four. She fell soon after, miscuing a lofted shot off Carson to long-on (211/2, 37.3 ov). Anneke Bosch (12 off 15) joined Luus, adding 21 before Bosch holed out to deep midwicket off Tahuhu—232/3 (40.1 ov). Luus, on 83 (92 balls, 7x4), chipped Mair over extra cover for the winning boundary four balls later. Marizanne Kapp (0*) watched from the non-striker's end as South Africa romped home.
New Zealand's fielding, solid early, wilted under pressure. Devine rotated her bowlers well—Kerr's 10-0-62-2 the best—but the lack of wickets in the middle overs proved fatal. The dew, as predicted, aided batting, and South Africa's Powerplay (54/1) dwarfed New Zealand's 38/1. Brits' innings—13 fours, 2 sixes, SR 113.48—was a statement, her 1,200th ODI run of 2025 cementing her as the year's top run-scorer.
This chase, completed in 40.5 overs, was South Africa's most dominant in a World Cup since 2017. Luus' fifty (her 16th in ODIs) was the glue, while the lower order remained unused. As confetti rained, Wolvaardt hugged Brits—redemption tasted sweet.
South Africa Innings Scorecard:
BatsmanDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSRL Wolvaardt (c) c AC Kerr b Mair 5 8 1 0 62.50
T Brits c Green b Carson 101 89 13 2 113.48
S Luus not out 83 92 7 0 90.22
A Bosch c Halliday b Tahuhu 12 15 1 0 80.00
M Kapp not out 0 1 0 0 0.00
Extras (lb 2, w 31) 33
Total (4 wkts, 40.5 ov) 234 22 2 5.75 rpo
Fall of Wickets: 5-1 (Wolvaardt, 2.3 ov), 211-2 (Brits, 37.3 ov), 232-3 (Bosch, 40.1 ov), 232-4 (de Klerk, 40.2 ov) [Did not bat: N de Klerk, CE Tryon, N Mlaba, M Klaas, A Khaka, S Jafta]
New Zealand Bowling:
BowlerOvMRWEcoRM Mair 7.5 0 50 1 6.45
HM Rowe 6 0 39 0 6.50
L Tahuhu 8 0 41 1 5.12
J Kerr 7 0 47 0 6.71
AC Kerr 10 0 62 2 6.20
EC Carson 2 0 14 1 7.00
Post-Match Analysis: Key Performances and Turning Points
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits – Her 101 dismantled New Zealand's attack, blending aggression with control. "One for the records," she quipped, surpassing Meg Lanning's mark for most ODI tons in a year. Brits' takedown of Kerr—five boundaries in nine balls—neutralized spin threats.
Sophie Devine's Grit: 85 off 98, her second straight fifty-plus, but unsupported. New Zealand's collapse post-187/3 echoes patterns: since 2024, they've lost 8/10 innings with 50+ stands.
Mlaba's Magic: The 23-year-old's 4/40, including three in five balls, swung momentum. Her second spell (18/4) exploited footmarks, proving South Africa's spin depth.
Turning points: Bates' duck (0/1), the Devine-Halliday stand (86 runs), Mlaba's burst (44 runs for 7 wkts), and Brits' acceleration (110/1 at 20 ov).
Stats highlights: Brits' 159-run stand with Luus is SA's highest WC partnership. New Zealand's 231 is their highest vs SA since 2022, but lowest winning total chased in Indore WC games.
Tactically, Devine's bat-first call backfired on a dew-affected pitch. Wolvaardt's unchanged XI paid off, with Mlaba over Sekhukhune vindicated.
Captains' Thoughts and Reactions
Sophie Devine (NZ-W): "Gutted. Sophie [Devine] led from front again, but we let her down with the collapse. Mlaba was outstanding—we have to adapt to spin better. Two losses sting, but Bangladesh next; we'll fight."
Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W): "Unbelievable turnaround! Tazmin's a star—her hundred lifts everyone. Nonku [Mlaba]'s spell was gold. From 69 all out to this? Shows our depth. India next—bring it."
Devine praised Bates' milestone, Wolvaardt hailed Kapp's record.
Implications for the Tournament
South Africa's win lifts them to fifth (NRR -1.424), behind India (4 pts, +1.2), Australia (+0.8), England (+0.5), Sri Lanka (+0.3). New Zealand (0 pts, -1.8) face must-win vs Bangladesh. Proteas' momentum vs India could define semis race; Ferns risk early exit if collapses persist.
This match, a tale of resilience, sets the tone for a wide-open World Cup. As Brits said, "Winning for SA matters more than records." In Indore's glow, South Africa reignited dreams.
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