The seventh match of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, played on October 6, 2025, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, India, saw South Africa Women secure a resounding six-wicket victory over New Zealand Women.
New Zealand was bowled out for 231 in 50 overs, but South Africa chased down the target in just 40.5 overs, finishing at 234/4. This day-night ODI was characterized by a slow start from New Zealand, a collapse in the middle order, and dominant batting from South Africa.
Key Impacts on the Match
A cautious start saw 72 unbatted balls consumed in the first 15 overs, limiting the opening score to 58/2. Sophie Devine (85 off 98 balls) and Brook Halliday (45 off 37 balls) put together an 86-run partnership to accelerate the game, but a dramatic collapse led to the fall of 7 wickets for 44 runs.
Poor shot selection, including reverse sweeps and hoicks to the leg side, proved costly against spin balls. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 4/40 was devastating, removing Halliday and Maddy Green in quick succession.
Mlaba’s spin trap in the middle over dismantled New Zealand’s innings, while Ayabonga Khaka (2/45) cleaned up the tail. In the chase, an early dismissal by Laura Wolvaardt (to Jess Kerr) was the only setback.
The explosive Tazmin Brits dominated with 101 runs in 89 balls (her fifth ODI century of 2025), boasting innovative footwork against spin balls and a fifty in 44 balls. Sune Luus’s unbeaten 83 off 76 balls provided stability, and the 150-plus run pairing sealed the victory. Brits was named Player of the Match for her high-paced innings, including a six to mark the 100-run pairing.
New Zealand bowling: Amelia Kerr took 2/62, but Brits attacked her harshly, underscoring South Africa’s intention to attack spin aggressively.
This result underscored South Africa’s recovery from a heavy defeat to England, while also exposing New Zealand’s vulnerabilities in both areas.
Consequences for the Teams and Tournament
The win propelled South Africa up the points table, alleviating pressure after their opening loss (by 167 runs to England, which dented their net run rate). New Zealand, meanwhile, face mounting concerns with back-to-back defeats, including a prior washout against India.
Updated Points Table (After Match 7)
South Africa’s Boost: Their net run rate improved marginally from the chase, positioning them mid-table. This victory instills momentum ahead of a high-stakes clash against table-toppers India on October 9 in Vizag.
New Zealand’s Predicament: Stuck at the bottom with a worsening NRR, they must rebound against Bangladesh on October 10 in Guwahati to avoid early elimination pressure. The losses highlight tactical issues, like over-reliance on Devine and failure to adapt to spin-friendly conditions.
Broader tournament implications include a tightening race for semi-final spots (top four advance), with Australia and England as early frontrunners due to superior NRRs.
Conclusions
South Africa’s authoritative performance—fueled by Brits’ brilliance and Mlaba’s guile—signals a return to form, transforming a shaky campaign into one of quiet confidence.
It demonstrates their depth in chasing and spin bowling, key assets in subcontinental conditions. For New Zealand, the match exposes recurring frailties: a tentative top order, collapse under pressure, and inability to contain aggressive batting.
Captain Devine will need to rally the side for introspection on shot selection and powerplay strategies. Overall, this result keeps the World Cup narrative alive, with South Africa now a dark horse and New Zealand fighting for survival in the group stage.
