Australia Women crushed South Africa Women by Seven wickets in the 26th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at Indore. Alana King (7/18 in 7 overs) demolished the South African batting lineup, as they were bowled out for 97 runs in 24 overs. Laura Wolvaardt was the top scorer for South Africa, while Sinola Jafta fought hard and tried her best.
In reply, Australia Women chased down the target in just 16.5 overs, losing only three wickets. Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Masabata Klaas took one wicket each. Beth Mooney was the top scorer, while Georgia Voll and Annabel Sutherland remained unbeaten. With this victory, Australia Women stayed on top of the points table, while South Africa Women slipped to second position.
King’s Historic Spell Destroys South Africa
Alana King produced a magical bowling performance to lead Australia Women to a commanding win over South Africa Women in Indore. Australia wrapped up the group stage in style, claiming a seven-wicket victory to secure the top spot.
The South African batters had no answer to King’s accuracy and turn. She took four wickets without conceding a single run in her first 15 balls. Her spell left South Africa reeling at 97 all out in just 24 overs, with 26 overs still remaining.
South Africa’s Batting Collapses Again
South Africa began confidently after being asked to bat first. Captain Laura Wolvaardt looked in fine touch, smashing seven boundaries in her 31 off 26 balls. But after her dismissal to Megan Schutt, the innings fell apart.
From 42 for 2, South Africa slipped to 43 for 4 in no time. King’s sharp leg-spin made scoring almost impossible. Only three South African batters managed to reach double figures. Sinalo Jafta fought hard with a brisk 29 off 17 balls, but King dismissed her to complete her five-wicket haul. She later bowled Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk to finish the innings in style.
King’s delivery that bowled de Klerk marked her seventh wicket — a moment that sealed her as the standout bowler of the tournament.
Australia Chase Down Target with Ease
Chasing a small target of 98, Australia faced early trouble when Phoebe Litchfield edged to slip and Ellyse Perry fell to a brilliant catch by Nadine de Klerk. But the chase was never in doubt.
Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll steadied the innings with a 76-run stand in just 65 balls. Mooney fell when only 11 runs were needed, but Voll finished unbeaten on 38 to take Australia home in just 16.5 overs.
King’s Spell Leaves South Africa Spellbound
King’s spell was a masterclass in control, flight, and turn. She bowled four players and conceded runs only through nine scoring shots. South African batters kept playing aggressive shots, which played right into her plan.
Sune Luus top-edged a slog-sweep, Annerie Dercksen lost her stump, and Chloe Tryon flicked her first ball straight to midwicket. Even Marizanne Kapp was lucky to survive briefly before mistiming another shot to backward point.
Australia’s dominance was complete when Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Ayabonga Khaka, and King wrapped up the innings with her final strike.
Brief Scorecard
