Introduction
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased South Africa Women’s resilience and New Zealand Women’s struggles. On October 6, 2025, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, South Africa Women clinched a commanding six-wicket victory, chasing down 232 with 9.1 overs to spare. Tazmin Brits’ century (101 off 89) and Sune Luus’ unbeaten 83 powered the chase, while Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 4/40 triggered a dramatic New Zealand collapse. For the White Ferns, Sophie Devine’s 85 wasn’t enough to prevent a second straight loss, piling pressure on the T20 World Cup champions.
This article dives deep into the match recap, highlights, key performances, tactical analysis, and more, offering cricket fans a comprehensive look at this pivotal clash. Whether you’re a die-hard follower or a casual viewer, join us as we relive the drama and brilliance of this Women’s World Cup encounter. Share your thoughts on Brits’ masterclass in the comments below!
Match Overview and Context
The 7th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 was a high-stakes encounter for both teams. South Africa Women, reeling from a humiliating 69-all-out defeat to England, needed a win to revive their campaign. New Zealand Women, fresh off a loss to Australia, faced pressure to avoid a second consecutive defeat. Played under the Indore lights, the match was a test of resilience, strategy, and adaptability.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to set a challenging total on a spin-friendly pitch. South Africa, however, had other plans, with their bowlers and batters stepping up to dominate proceedings. Streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Network, the match captivated fans across India and beyond.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 6, 2025 |
| Venue | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, India |
| Toss | New Zealand Women, elected to bat |
| Umpires | Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir |
| 3rd Umpire | Sue Redfern |
| Referee | Michell Pereira |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
This Women’s World Cup 2025 Indore match was a turning point for South Africa, who showcased their depth, while New Zealand’s struggles highlighted areas for improvement. Check out the full ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 schedule for more exciting matches!
New Zealand Women’s Innings: A Promising Start, A Devastating Collapse
New Zealand’s innings began with a jolt when Suzie Bates was trapped lbw by Marizanne Kapp off the first ball, a decision upheld after review. This early setback set a cautious tone, with Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr struggling to rotate strike. The pair consumed 72 dot balls in the first 15 overs, scoring just 38 runs in the powerplay.
Kerr’s 23 off 42 ended with a catch to Sune Luus, leaving New Zealand at 44/2. Plimmer’s painstaking 31 off 68 didn’t help, but captain Sophie Devine took charge. Fresh off a century against Australia, Devine’s measured 85 (98 balls, 9×4) was the backbone of the innings. Her partnership with Brooke Halliday (45 off 37, 6×4) for the fourth wicket added 86 runs in 75 balls, pushing New Zealand to 187/3 by the 38th over.
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s Game-Changing Spell
The game turned when Nonkululeko Mlaba’s bowling dismantled New Zealand’s middle order. Her 4/40 in 10 overs included the wickets of Halliday (caught and bowled off a top-edged slog-sweep) and Devine (bowled attempting to work a full delivery). Maddy Green’s ill-advised reverse sweep led to her dismissal, and New Zealand slumped from 187/3 to 212/6. Ayabonga Khaka cleaned up the tail, as New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs, leaving 13 balls unused.
New Zealand Women Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzie Bates | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | lbw b Kapp |
| Georgia Plimmer | 31 | 68 | 4 | 0 | 45.59 | c de Klerk b Tryon |
| Amelia Kerr | 23 | 42 | 4 | 0 | 54.76 | c Luus b de Klerk |
| Sophie Devine (c) | 85 | 98 | 9 | 0 | 86.73 | b Mlaba |
| Brooke Halliday | 45 | 37 | 6 | 0 | 121.62 | c and b Mlaba |
| Maddy Green | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 57.14 | c Bosch b Mlaba |
| Isabella Gaze (wk) | 10 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 111.11 | run out (Mlaba/Kapp) |
| Jess Kerr | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | c de Klerk b Khaka |
| Lea Tahuhu | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 55.56 | c Wolvaardt b Mlaba |
| Eden Carson | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | run out (de Klerk/Bosch/Khaka) |
| Bree Illing | 1* | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | not out |
| Extras | 21 | (b 0, lb 2, w 19, nb 0) | ||||
| Total | 231/10 (47.5 overs, RR: 4.83) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marizanne Kapp | 8 | 1 | 34 | 1 | 4.20 |
| Ayabonga Khaka | 7.5 | 1 | 31 | 1 | 4.00 |
| Masabata Klaas | 7 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 5.10 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 7 | 0 | 32 | 1 | 4.60 |
| Nonkululeko Mlaba | 10 | 0 | 40 | 4 | 4.00 |
| Chloe Tryon | 3 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Sune Luus | 5 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 6.40 |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Suzie Bates | 0/1 | 0.1 |
| Amelia Kerr | 44/2 | 12.6 |
| Georgia Plimmer | 101/3 | 25.4 |
| Brooke Halliday | 187/4 | 38.1 |
| Maddy Green | 195/5 | 40.1 |
| Isabella Gaze | 212/6 | 43.1 |
| Sophie Devine | 220/7 | 44.2 |
| Jess Kerr | 222/8 | 45.3 |
| Lea Tahuhu | 226/9 | 46.5 |
| Eden Carson | 231/10 | 47.5 |
Tactical Analysis
New Zealand’s cautious approach, with 72 dot balls in the first 15 overs, put pressure on the middle order. The Sophie Devine performance was exceptional, but the failure to counter Mlaba’s spin, particularly her full-length deliveries (3/33 at 4.71 economy), led to a collapse. The final 10 overs yielded just 44 runs for 7 wickets, underscoring their inability to capitalize on a strong platform. Want to read more about Devine’s leadership? Check out our Sophie Devine career profile!
South Africa Women’s Chase: Brits’ Century Steals the Show
Chasing 232, South Africa started aggressively, with Laura Wolvaardt (14 off 10, 3×4) and Tazmin Brits smashing five boundaries in three overs. Wolvaardt fell lbw to Jess Kerr, but Brits and Sune Luus took charge. Brits’ Tazmin Brits century 2025 (101 off 89, 15×4, 1×6) was a masterclass, reaching her fifty in 44 balls and century in 87. Her onslaught against spinners Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson, including five boundaries in nine balls, set an unattainable run rate.
Luus played a composed 83* (114 balls, 9×4, 1×6), anchoring the chase. Their 159-run second-wicket partnership off 170 balls was the game’s defining stand. Despite losing Brits, Marizanne Kapp (14), and Anneke Bosch (0), Luus sealed the win in 40.5 overs, with 9.1 overs to spare.
South Africa Women Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt (c) | 14 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 140.00 | lbw b Jess Kerr |
| Tazmin Brits | 101 | 89 | 15 | 1 | 113.48 | b Tahuhu |
| Sune Luus | 83* | 114 | 9 | 1 | 72.81 | not out |
| Marizanne Kapp | 14 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 93.33 | c Jess Kerr b Amelia Kerr |
| Anneke Bosch | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Bates b Amelia Kerr |
| Sinalo Jafta (wk) | 6* | 14 | 1 | 0 | 42.86 | not out |
| Extras | 16 | (b 0, lb 2, w 13, nb 1) | ||||
| Total | 234/4 (40.5 overs, RR: 5.73) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jess Kerr | 7 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 5.90 |
| Bree Illing | 6 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Sophie Devine | 4 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 6.20 |
| Lea Tahuhu | 6 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 4.50 |
| Amelia Kerr | 10 | 0 | 62 | 2 | 6.20 |
| Eden Carson | 4.5 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 6.80 |
| Brooke Halliday | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 4.70 |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt | 26/1 | 2.5 |
| Tazmin Brits | 185/2 | 31.1 |
| Marizanne Kapp | 207/3 | 34.6 |
| Anneke Bosch | 213/4 | 36.3 |
Tactical Analysis
South Africa’s powerplay (54/1) contrasted with New Zealand’s sluggish start. Brits’ footwork against spin, particularly her six off Carson, neutralized New Zealand’s attack. Their spinners’ higher economy (6.26 vs South Africa’s 5.33) highlighted the gap in bowling discipline. Relive the chase with our South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women highlights!
Turning Points and Tactical Analysis
The RSAW vs NZW match analysis reveals several critical moments:
- Bates’ First-Ball Dismissal: Kapp’s early strike set a defensive tone for New Zealand.
- Mlaba’s Breakthroughs: Her wickets of Halliday and Devine triggered a collapse from 187/3 to 231/10.
- Brits’ Onslaught: Her rapid 44-ball fifty and century dismantled New Zealand’s bowling.
- Luus’ Stability: Her 83* ensured no hiccups in the chase.
- Spin Bowling Disparity: South Africa’s spinners took 5/96 (ER 5.33), while New Zealand’s managed 2/93 (ER 6.26).
South Africa’s aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling outclassed New Zealand’s cautious approach and inability to counter spin. Explore more tactical insights on ESPNcricinfo!
Player Performances and Records
- Tazmin Brits: Her 101 was her fifth century in 2025, surpassing Meg Lanning’s record for the fastest seven ODI centuries. Her bow-and-arrow celebration, dedicated to young fans, added a personal touch.
- Sune Luus: Her 83* showcased her growth, with 296 runs in 2025 at an average of 37 (vs 15.54 in 2024).
- Nonkululeko Mlaba: Her 4/40 was pivotal, exploiting New Zealand’s spin weakness.
- Sophie Devine: Her 85 marked her 300th international match, but her team’s collapse overshadowed the milestone.
Key Stats
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Brits’ Record | 5th century in 2025, fastest woman to 7 ODI centuries |
| Devine’s Milestone | 300th international match |
| Spin Bowling Comparison | SA-W: 5/96 (ER 5.33); NZ-W: 2/93 (ER 6.26) |
| Partnerships vs NZ-W | SA-W: 16 50+ stands, including 159 (Brits-Luus) |
Post-Match Reactions and Quotes
Tazmin Brits (Player of the Match): “It feels great to pull this one through after our first game. I’m just backing myself, being positive. South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women highlights My new bat worked wonders today!” She credited batting camps and dedicated her celebration to young fans.
Sophie Devine (New Zealand Captain): “We thought it was a 270-280 wicket, but losing wickets at key moments hurt us. South Africa batted brilliantly. We know we need to win big now.” What did you think of Devine’s leadership? Share in the comments!
Tournament Impact and Points Table Analysis
South Africa’s win earned them two points, placing them fifth (NRR -1.402). New Zealand, with zero points (NRR -1.485), face a must-win against Bangladesh. The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 recap shows a competitive field, with India leading at 4 points.
Points Table (as of October 6, 2025)
| Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | PT | NRR | Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1.515 | SA-W, AUS-W, ENG-W |
| Australia Women | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.780 | PAK-W, IND-W, BAN-W |
| England Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3.773 | BAN-W, SL-W, PAK-W |
| Bangladesh Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.623 | ENG-W, NZ-W, SA-W |
| South Africa Women | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -1.402 | IND-W, BAN-W, SL-W |
| Sri Lanka Women | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1.255 | ENG-W, NZ-W, SA-W |
| New Zealand Women | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.485 | BAN-W, SL-W, PAK-W |
| Pakistan Women | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.777 | AUS-W, ENG-W, NZ-W |
Follow the latest standings on the official ICC website!
Venue and Pitch Analysis
The Holkar Cricket Stadium cricket pitch offered turn for spinners, as Mlaba’s 4/40 showed, but also supported strokeplay, as Brits and Luus demonstrated. New Zealand’s failure to adapt to spin and capitalize on the batting-friendly middle overs cost them dearly. South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women highlights South Africa’s aggressive approach maximized the pitch’s potential.
Fan Engagement and Broadcast Details
Fans enjoyed the match on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, with live streaming ensuring global reach. Who was the game-changer: Brits, Luus, or Mlaba? Vote in our poll below! Stay tuned for South Africa vs India and New Zealand vs Bangladesh. Stream live on JioHotstar!
Poll: Who was the standout performer in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match?
- Tazmin Brits
- Sune Luus
- Nonkululeko Mlaba Share your vote on X!
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Conclusion
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match was a testament to South Africa’s resilience and New Zealand’s challenges. Tazmin Brits’ record-breaking century, Sune Luus’ composure, and Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spin wizardry secured a dominant win, while Sophie Devine’s valiant effort couldn’t save New Zealand. This match highlighted the unpredictability of women’s cricket and set the stage for an exciting tournament. Follow IPL Star for more ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 recaps and share this article with fellow cricket fans!
FAQs: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match
- What was the result of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? South Africa Women secured a dominant six-wicket victory over New Zealand Women on October 6, 2025, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand Chasing 232, South Africa reached 234/4 in 40.5 overs, led by Tazmin Brits’ century and Sune Luus’ unbeaten 83, while New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs.
- Who was the Player of the Match in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? Tazmin Brits was named Player of the Match for her explosive Tazmin Brits century 2025, scoring 101 off 89 balls (15×4, 1×6). Her aggressive batting dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack, setting the tone for South Africa’s comfortable chase.
- How did Nonkululeko Mlaba perform in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? Nonkululeko Mlaba’s bowling was pivotal, with figures of 4/40 in 10 overs. Her left-arm spin triggered New Zealand’s collapse from 187/3 to 231/10, dismissing key batters like Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, earning her widespread praise.
- What was Tazmin Brits’ century record in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? Brits’ 101 was her fifth century in 2025, making her the first woman to achieve this feat in a calendar year. Her performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025 Indore match also saw her surpass Meg Lanning’s record for the fastest seven ODI centuries.
- Why did New Zealand lose the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? New Zealand’s loss stemmed from a cautious start (72 dot balls in the first 15 overs), a middle-order collapse triggered by Nonkululeko Mlaba bowling, and their spinners’ inability to contain Brits and Luus. Their 231 was insufficient on a batting-friendly pitch.
- How did Sophie Devine perform in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? Sophie Devine’s performance was a highlight, scoring 85 off 98 balls (9×4) in her 300th international match. Despite her valiant effort, New Zealand’s collapse from 187/3 to 231/10 overshadowed her contribution.
- Where was the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match played? The match took place at Holkar Cricket Stadium cricket ground in Indore, India, known for its spin-friendly yet batting-conducive pitch, which South Africa exploited better than New Zealand.
- How can fans watch the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match highlights? Fans can catch South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women highlights on JioHotstar or Star Sports Network. Check IPL Star for video clips and detailed recaps of this thrilling encounter!
- What was the impact of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match on the points table? South Africa’s win earned them two points, placing them fifth (NRR -1.402). New Zealand, with zero points (NRR -1.485), slipped to seventh after their second loss, as per the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 recap.
- What were the key tactical insights from the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand 7th Match? The RSAW vs NZW match analysis highlighted South Africa’s aggressive powerplay (54/1) and spin dominance (5/96, ER 5.33) compared to New Zealand’s cautious batting and less effective spin (2/93, ER 6.26). Brits’ century and Mlaba’s wickets were game-changers.