South Africa Women outclassed New Zealand by six wickets in the seventh match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 at Indore. New Zealand Women were bowled out for 231 runs in 47.5 overs. The composed innings from Sophie Devine and a brisk knock from Brooke Halliday, who narrowly missed her half-century by five runs, helped New Zealand cross the 200-run mark.

After 43 overs, New Zealand Women were comfortably placed at 212/5. However, a dangerous spell from Nonkululeko Mlaba (4/40 in 10 overs) triggered a sudden collapse, as New Zealand lost their last five wickets for just 19 runs.

While chasing the target, Tazmin Brits gave South Africa a flying start. After the early dismissal of Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus built a steady partnership with Brits. When Brits was dismissed soon after completing her century, South Africa were already close to the winning line. Although South Africa lost a few wickets towards the end, Sune Luus ensured victory with a composed unbeaten knock.

New Zealand, who suffered their second straight loss, were outplayed in all departments. South Africa chased down the 232-run target comfortably in just 40.5 overs, showing strong intent after their disappointing defeat to England in Guwahati.

Early Struggles Cost New Zealand

New Zealand’s innings was a mix of good recovery and poor finishing. They began poorly, losing Suzie Bates for a second consecutive duck and Amelia Kerr for 22. The team used up 72 dot balls in the first 15 overs, putting pressure on the middle order.

Although Devine and Halliday lifted the scoring rate later, the team’s collapse in the final overs undid all their efforts.

Mlaba Sparks New Zealand Collapse

Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday had revived New Zealand’s innings with an 86-run stand for the fourth wicket. They took the score to 187 for 3 in 38 overs before Mlaba turned the game around.

Halliday, who struck 45 off 37 balls with a series of sweeps and reverse-sweeps, fell trying to hit one shot too many, top-edging a slog-sweep off Mlaba. Her quick innings briefly worried South Africa, reminding fans of her performance in last year’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai.

Mlaba then removed Maddy Green, who fell to a mistimed reverse sweep. From there, New Zealand’s innings crumbled, with Ayabonga Khaka cleaning up the tail.

Devine top-scored with 85 off 102 balls, showing great control before she was dismissed while trying to flick a full delivery. New Zealand eventually collapsed from 187 for 3 to 231 all out, losing seven wickets for just 44 runs and leaving 13 balls unused.

South Africa’s bowlers set up the stage for victory with a disciplined performance. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star with figures of 4 for 40, triggering a middle-order collapse just when New Zealand looked ready for a big total.

South Africa’s Confident Chase

Chasing 232, South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt early, lbw to Jess Kerr. However, that was the only success New Zealand enjoyed as Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus took control.

Brits dominated from the start, attacking fearlessly. She took on Amelia Kerr early, hitting five boundaries in nine balls after the 10-over mark. She reached her half-century in just 44 balls — her fastest in ODIs — and continued to punish the bowlers.

Her partnership with Luus crossed 100 runs off 111 deliveries. Brits also hammered off-spinner Eden Carson for a six to reach the milestone. Her footwork against the spinners was outstanding as she repeatedly stepped out to hit straight down the ground.

Luus Holds Steady as Brits Falls

While Brits scored freely, Sune Luus played cautiously, taking time to find her rhythm. Her patience paid off as she reached her half-century from 76 balls.

Brits, however, was bowled by Lea Tahuhu after reaching her hundred, trying to pull a skiddy delivery. South Africa briefly lost two more wickets in the chase, but the result was never in doubt.

Luus guided the team home with a lofted drive over extra cover, finishing unbeaten on 81. Her calm innings ensured South Africa completed the chase with ease and bounced back strongly after their earlier setback.

Brief Scorecard