ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa Women produced a clinical performance to defeat New Zealand Women by six wickets. Chasing 232 for victory. Tazmin Brits, who played a magnificent knock of 101 off 89 balls, while Sune Luus anchored the chase with an unbeaten 83 off 114 deliveries.
Newzealand innings
After winning the toss Newzealand opted to bat first, Suzi Bates dismissed on very first ball of the innings by Marizanne kapp , Georgia plimmer steadied the Innings with a patient 31 off 68 deliveries , while Amelia Kerr added a valuable 23 off 42 balls building a crucial partnership to rebuild after the early set back.
Sophie Devine anchored the Innings 85 off 98 balls including 9 boundaries and took charge in middle overs rotating the strike smartly and pushing losse deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking and 86 runs stand with Brooke Halliday who contributed 45 off 37 balls .
However, Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spin proved decisive in breaking the partnership. She was the standout bowler, claiming four key wickets including Devine, Halliday, and Maddy Green to bring South Africa back into the contest. The lower order faltered, as Isabella Gaze managed 10 runs before being run out, while Jess Kerr(2), Lea Tahuhu(5) and Eden Carson(4) added only small contributions.
Extras proved handy for New Zealand, adding 21 runs (including 19 wides), which helped push their total 231/10 in 47.5 overs.
South Africa bowling Nonkululeko Mlaba stand out bowler for south africa 4/40 in 10 overs, while Marizanne kapp, Chloe Tyron, Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine De Klerk gets 1 wickets each.
South Africa innings
Chasing 232, South Africa got off to a brisk start with captain Laura Wolvaardt showing early intent. She struck three boundaries in her short stay but was trapped lbw by Jess Kerr for 14 off just 10 balls. However, her dismissal didn’t slow the chase as Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus joined forces to steady the innings.
The pair built a massive second-wicket partnership of 159 runs, which completely turned the game in South Africa’s favor. Brits was in sensational form, timing the ball beautifully and punishing loose deliveries. Her innings of 101 came off 89 balls, laced with 15 fours and one six, at a strike rate of 113.48.
At the other end, Sune Luus played the perfect supporting role. Her calm and composed innings of 83* off 114 balls ensured South Africa never lost control of the chase. Luus rotated the strike efficiently and punished the bad balls, hitting nine boundaries and one six. Her game awareness and ability to absorb pressure were key to keeping the momentum intact.
Once Brits was dismissed by Lea Tahuhu after a brilliant hundred, Marizanne Kapp came to the crease but couldn’t make a big impact, scoring 14 off 15 before falling to Amelia Kerr. Anneke Bosch was dismissed for a duck soon after, giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope. However, Sinalo Jafta joined Luus and guided the team home with an unbeaten 6 off 14 balls.
south africa chase down 234/4 in 40.5 overs
Newzealand bowling Amelia Kerr takes 2/62 in 10 overs while Lea Tahuhu and Jess kerr gets 1 wicket each .
Match summary
Toss: Newzealand won the toss opted to bat first
Newzealand innings: 231/10 in 47.5 overs
Top scorer: Sophie Devine 85 off 98 balls
Top bowler: Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/40 in 10 overs
South Africa innings: 234/4 in 40.5 overs
Top scorer: Tazmin Brits 101 off 89 balls
Top bowler: Amelia Kerr 2/62 in 10 overs
Result: South Africa won by 6 wickets
Player of the match: Tazmin Brits 101 off 89 balls