After a crushing defeat in their opening match, South Africa Women roared back to form in style at the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating New Zealand by six wickets in Indore on Monday evening. The Proteas, who were bowled out for just 69 in their previous game against England, showed remarkable composure and belief to turn things around and revive their campaign.
Leading the charge was Tazmin Brits, whose sensational century anchored South Africa’s chase of 232. Brits continued her outstanding run of form, scoring her fifth ODI hundred of the year — the only woman to achieve this feat in 2025. Her ton, which came off just 87 balls, also made her the fastest player to reach seven ODI centuries, surpassing Meg Lanning’s record by three innings (41 vs 44).
After losing captain Laura Wolvaardt early for 14, Brits and Sune Luus stabilized the innings with a match-defining 159-run partnership, the highest-ever stand for South Africa in a Women’s World Cup. While Brits attacked at a brisk strike rate of 113, Luus provided steady support at the other end, playing a patient and composed knock.
Brits’ innings came to an end in the 32nd over when Leah Tahuhu dismissed her, but Luus ensured there were no hiccups. She remained unbeaten on 83, guiding her side home comfortably with more than nine overs to spare.
Earlier, New Zealand had posted 231, thanks largely to skipper Sophie Devine’s 85, continuing her fine form after a century against Australia. However, the White Ferns’ innings lost momentum after a solid start. Devine shared useful partnerships — 86 with Georgia Plimmer (31) and another 86 with Brooke Halliday (45) — but the middle and lower order collapsed dramatically, losing seven wickets for just 44 runs.
For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 40 and applying pressure in the middle overs that restricted New Zealand from posting a higher total. Marizanne Kapp also made an early impact, trapping veteran Suzie Bates lbw for a duck in the very first over.
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With this victory, South Africa have boosted their net run rate and confidence after a tough start to the tournament. New Zealand, on the other hand, face an uphill battle after losing their first two matches.
“It probably puts a little bit more pressure on these remaining games, but I think that’s a good thing,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine. “We know exactly where we stand and what we have to do.”
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build consistency — with South Africa regaining momentum and New Zealand desperate to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
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