South Africa Women clinch six‑wicket win over New Zealand at World Cup
When Tazmin Brits, batter for the South Africa women's cricket team, smashed a century at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on October 6, 2025, South Africa secured a six-wicket win over New Zealand in Match 7 of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The chase of 232 runs turned into a story of redemption after a crushing 10‑wicket loss to England just days earlier.
How the match unfolded
New Zealand posted 231 for 6 after 50 overs, with Sophie Devine contributing 78 runs. The South African bowlers, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba, claimed four wickets for 32 runs, keeping the New Zealand total within reach.
Opening the chase, South Africa stumbled at 15 for 1 when Laura Wolvaardt fell cheaply. The turning point arrived when Sune Luus, the team captain, joined Brits at the crease. Together they compiled a 159‑run partnership for the second wicket, with Luus unbeaten on 83 and Brits unbeaten on 101.
Brits’s hundred came off just 89 balls, featuring 15 fours and two sixes. The century was historic: it marked her fifth ODI hundred in the calendar year, a first for any woman. The partnership effectively sealed the match, allowing South Africa to seal the win with six wickets in hand and 13 balls remaining.
Key performances and statistics
- Tazmin Brits – 101 off 89 balls, 15 fours, 2 sixes.
- Sune Luus (c) – 83* off 71 balls, 9 fours.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba – 4/32 in 10 overs.
- Amelia Kerr (NZ) – 2/45, including the wicket of Brits.
- Jess Kerr (NZ) – 1/38.
Reactions from the field
Post‑match, Brits beamed, "I just kept feeding off the energy in the stadium. Knowing we were two wins away from keeping our World Cup hopes alive gave me that extra push." Captain Luus added, "The partnership with Tazmin reminded everyone why we’re here – belief, grit, and a bit of daring."
On the New Zealand side, veteran Suzie Bates, who was about to play her 350th international, said, "We fought hard with the ball, but the chase slipped away. We’ll regroup and try to find the edge in the next match." The Kerr sisters and Lea Tahuhu expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the tournament ahead.
What this win means for South Africa
With two points from two games, South Africa moved into the second spot on the points table, just three points behind leaders Australia. The victory not only restored confidence after the Guwahati debacle but also placed the Proteas firmly in contention for one of the four semi‑final berths that the round‑robin format awards.
Analysts note that the bounce‑back showcases the depth of South Africa’s batting order. "If the top order can recover from early wickets, the middle order – especially Brits and Luus – can anchor any chase," said former South African cricketer Morne Morkel in a commentary for the local broadcaster.
New Zealand’s path forward
Two consecutive defeats drop New Zealand to the bottom of the table, with just two points. Their next fixture against Sri Lanka becomes a must‑win if they hope to stay alive. The coaching staff, led by Lea Stuart, pledged to tweak the middle‑order strategy, emphasizing the need for partnerships similar to the one South Africa displayed.
“We’ve seen how crucial a steady partnership is,” Stuart said. “Our bowlers performed, but we must tighten our batting when the pressure builds.”
Historical context
Before this clash, New Zealand led the head‑to‑head record 12‑8 over South Africa in ODIs. However, the last three encounters have been tightly contested, with South Africa winning two of the three. This win adds another chapter, underlining the shifting balance in women’s cricket where emerging teams are challenging traditional powerhouses.
Looking ahead in the World Cup
The tournament features eight teams: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the West Indies. Each team plays seven matches; the top four advance to the semi‑finals. With three games left for South Africa, every run will matter. Their next match against Bangladesh offers a chance to cement a top‑four finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does South Africa's win affect their chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
The victory lifts South Africa to six points, placing them second on the table. With three matches remaining, they need just two more wins to secure a top‑four spot, making the win a pivotal boost in their campaign.
What record did Tazmin Brits achieve with her century?
Brits became the first woman to score five ODI hundreds in a single calendar year, a milestone that underscores her emerging status as one of the format’s most prolific batters.
Which players were most responsible for New Zealand's bowling effort?
The Kerr sisters, Amelia and Jess, together took three wickets, while Lea Tahuhu added another. Their combined spell accounted for half of the Australian wickets that fell during the chase.
What does this result mean for New Zealand’s tournament outlook?
Two straight losses leave New Zealand with just two points, making their next game a must‑win. They must improve batting partnerships and tighten fielding to keep hopes of a semi‑final berth alive.
How does this match compare to the opening games of the tournament?
Unlike the opening fixtures, where Australia and England posted massive totals, this game was decided by a high‑pressure chase. It highlights the tournament’s varied dynamics—some teams dominate with big scores, while others rely on steady partnerships.
- Oct 7, 2025
- SIYABONGA SOKHELA
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Surya Banerjee
October 7, 2025 AT 03:46Massive congrats to the South African women, especially Tazmin Brits. It’s really inspirin to see such grit and skill on the world stage. This win will definitely boost the morale of the whole team and fans alike. Keep supporting the ladies, we all deserve more of this action.