South Africa defeated New Zealand by six wickets in a commanding display at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 6th, 2025. The match showcased South Africa’s clinical chase and the brilliance of Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus, along with Nonkululeko Mlaba’s outstanding performance with the ball. Both teams entered the contest seeking their first win of the tournament, but it was South Africa who emerged triumphant, bouncing back from their opening loss with confidence and precision.
Match Summary
South Africa Women 234/4 (40.5 overs) beat New Zealand Women 231 (47.5 overs) by six wickets. Tazmin Brits starred with a brilliant 101, while Sune Luus’ unbeaten 83 anchored the chase. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s four-wicket haul laid the foundation by restricting New Zealand, for whom captain Sophie Devine scored a fighting 85.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Promising Start Undone
New Zealand batted first after winning the toss, with openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates facing the new ball. Bates, playing her 350th international match, was dismissed for a first-ball duck by Marizanne Kapp – a key early breakthrough for South Africa.
Georgia Plimmer (31 from 68) and Amelia Kerr (23 from 42) steadied the innings before falling in quick succession. The top order looked cautious, keeping the scoring rate modest during the powerplay and middle overs.
Captain Sophie Devine provided the backbone, combining for an 86-run partnership with Brooke Halliday (45 from 37), accelerating New Zealand’s innings past 180. Devine reached her 17th ODI fifty, eventually making 85 from 98 balls before being bowled by Mlaba in the 45th over.
After Halliday fell for 45, New Zealand lost momentum, collapsing from 187/4 to 231 all out in 47.5 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spell (10-0-40-4) destroyed the lower order, supported by sharp fielding and disciplined bowling from the Proteas.
Key Falls of Wicket:
Suzie Bates (0/0.1)
Amelia Kerr (44/12.6)
Georgia Plimmer (101/25.4)
Brooke Halliday (187/38.1)
Sophie Devine (220/44.2)
South Africa’s Chase: Masterclass from Brits and Luus
South Africa’s chase began with an early wobble as Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for 14 with the score at 26.
Tazmin Brits took charge, playing crisp strokes and rotating the strike. Brits brought up her fifth ODI century of the year – a historic feat – off just 89 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six. She was the first woman to reach five ODI hundreds in a calendar year.
Sune Luus provided stability at the other end, manipulating the field and showing flair with trademark drives and sweeps. The Brits-Luus partnership yielded a record 159-run stand for the second wicket, effectively sealing the game in South Africa’s favor.
New Zealand’s bowlers, including Amelia Kerr (2 wickets) and Lea Tahuhu (1), tried to break through but lacked consistent threat after the crucial second-wicket stand. When Brits fell for 101, South Africa required just 41 more runs, which Luus and the middle order chased down comfortably in 40.5 overs.
Player Contributions and Milestones
Tazmin Brits: 101 (89 balls, 15×4, 1×6) – Named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock and calendar record.
Sune Luus: 83* (114 balls, 10×4, 1×6) – Showed experience and composure, remaining unbeaten.
Nonkululeko Mlaba: 4/40 (10 overs) – Her spell included the critical wickets of Devine, Halliday, Green, and Tahuhu.
Turning Points
The run-out miss of Halliday by Sinalo Jafta was a rare slip, but the very next over, Mlaba dismissed Halliday, triggering the lower-order collapse for New Zealand.
Marizanne Kapp’s early breakthrough of Bates set the tone in the bowling innings.
The 159-run partnership between Brits and Luus gave South Africa the luxury to chase without panic, turning the contest into a one-sided affair after the initial wicket.
Tactical Analysis
South Africa’s fielding was sharp and proactive, helping support their bowlers. A stunning catch by Laura Wolvaardt and a no-look run out by Kapp were among highlights.
Mlaba’s left-arm spin, flight and variations disrupted the rhythm of New Zealand batters, particularly in the final ten overs where wickets fell rapidly. Her four-for was critical in pegging New Zealand back when they seemed set for a larger total.
Kapp and Khaka kept things tight with the new and old ball, ensuring that the pressure mounted at both ends through tight lines.
The Broader Impact
This result was South Africa’s first win of the tournament, propelling them up the points table and restoring morale after a heavy loss to England. The composed chase hints at strategic depth and batting strength.
For New Zealand, consecutive defeats will evoke soul-searching. Dependence on Devine for big scores and the inability of the lower order to capitalize on top order momentum are areas of concern.
The match featured landmark achievements: Suzie Bates (350th international), Sophie Devine (300th game for New Zealand), and Marizanne Kapp (most-capped South Africa women’s ODI player).
Reactions and Looking Ahead
Tazmin Brits credited her mental approach and support from Sune Luus for her innings, while South Africa’s team spirit was evident in their group celebrations and tactical discipline.
Head coach Hilton Moreeng praised the bowlers and the openers. Meanwhile, White Ferns management emphasized lessons to be learned and the need to regroup ahead of their next clash against Bangladesh.
The victory strengthens South Africa’s position and net run rate, putting them in contention for the knockouts. New Zealand faces pressure to win their remaining games for a shot at the semifinals.
Final Thoughts
The South Africa vs New Zealand clash was a showcase of Women’s World Cup quality, featuring high individual achievements, tactical contests, and team records. South Africa, powered by history-making centuries and clinical spin, affirm themselves as contenders, while New Zealand, despite Devine’s heroics, must find batting consistency and resolve to stay alive in the tournament.
Full Scorecard (Select Performances):
| Team | Top Batter | Score | Top Bowler | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ Women | Sophie Devine | 85 | Nonkululeko Mlaba | 4/40 | 231 all out |
| SA Women | Tazmin Brits | 101 | Amelia Kerr | 2/62 | 234/4 (won by 6 wickets) |
In sum, the match combined skill, resolve, and history, making it a highlight of the World Cup group stages and a testament to South Africa’s growing stature in world women’s cricket.