South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, crushing New Zealand by six wickets at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Monday, October 6. Tazmin Brits’ brilliant century and Nonkululeko Mlaba’s four-wicket haul orchestrated a comprehensive victory that erased memories of their humiliating 69 all-out against England just three days earlier.
Historic Century Continues Brits’ Golden Year
Tazmin Brits’ fifth ODI century of the year steered South Africa to a six-wicket win over New Zealand, establishing 2025 as the most prolific year in her international career. She faced 86 balls and hit 15 boundaries and 1 six. It was her fifth ODI ton in 2025, the most-ever in a calendar year in women’s cricket.
Brits’ innings of 101 runs showcased aggressive yet controlled batting as she dominated New Zealand’s bowling attack. Having begun the innings steadily, Brits went into overdrive after the 10-over mark, at one point hitting five boundaries in nine deliveries, en route to a 44-ball half-century, her fastest in ODIs.
Brits continued her remarkable year with a seventh ODI century, and her first at World Cups, before finally being dismissed by Tahuhu for 101, completing a match-winning performance that earned her Player of the Match honors.
Record Partnership Seals Dominant Chase
Brits and Luus added a record 159-run stand for the third wicket off 170 balls — South Africa’s highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s World Cup history. This monumental partnership transformed the chase from challenging to comfortable as both batters found rhythm and punished loose deliveries.
Sune Luus played the perfect supporting role before taking charge in the final stages, finishing unbeaten on 83 runs studded with ten boundaries and a six. Her composed innings ensured South Africa crossed the finish line with nearly ten overs to spare, emphasizing their dominance.
The partnership demonstrated both technical excellence and strategic game awareness, with Brits providing early aggression while Luus anchored the innings and accelerated when required.
Mlaba’s Four-Wicket Haul Restricts New Zealand
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s exceptional bowling performance set up South Africa’s victory, grabbing 4-40 as New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs. Her incisive spell at crucial moments prevented New Zealand from posting a more challenging total.
Mlaba’s wickets included the crucial dismissal of Sophie Devine for 85, breaking a dangerous partnership that threatened to propel New Zealand toward 280-plus. Her ability to extract turn and maintain pressure throughout her ten-over spell proved decisive.
The left-arm spinner’s performance vindicated captain Laura Wolvaardt’s tactical decisions and provided South Africa’s batting lineup with a manageable target despite challenging conditions.
Bates’ Milestone Marred by Early Dismissal
Suzie Bates became the first woman to play 350 international matches—173 ODIs in addition to 177 T20Is—in a glorious career spanning nearly two decades. However, her historic milestone was spoiled as she was dismissed off the very first ball of the match by pacer Marizanne Kapp, departing for a golden duck.
The 38-year-old New Zealand legend’s early exit set the tone for a disappointing team performance that failed to match the occasion’s significance. Bates’ unprecedented achievement deserved better celebration than New Zealand ultimately provided.
Devine’s Valiant Effort Insufficient
Sophie Devine marked her 300th international appearance with a fighting 85 off 98 balls, studded with nine boundaries, attempting to atone for her longtime friend Bates’ failure. Devine and Georgia Plimmer (31) lifted New Zealand from a precarious 44-2 with a 57-run stand for the third wicket.
Brooke Halliday (45) added further stability with an 86-run partnership with Devine, pushing New Zealand toward a competitive total. However, New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for a mere 44 runs as Mlaba dismissed Devine during an incisive spell that triggered complete collapse.
Dramatic Turnaround From 69 All-Out
South Africa’s victory represented an extraordinary turnaround after being shot out for 69 in their ten-wicket defeat against England in Guwahati on Friday. The comprehensive nature of Monday’s win demonstrated remarkable mental resilience and tactical adjustment.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised the comeback performance: “It is such an amazing turnaround. This is what we knew we were capable of, really happy of how quickly we put that behind us and bounced back today.”
The transformation from humiliation to dominance within three days showcased South Africa’s championship character and ability to respond positively to adversity.
New Zealand’s Tournament Crisis Deepens
New Zealand, the reigning T20 World Champions, have lost both their matches following their 89-run loss against title-holders Australia. The consecutive defeats have placed them in desperate tournament circumstances requiring immediate recovery.
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine admitted defeat has created difficult positioning: “We have to win a lot of games now. This puts a bit more pressure on the remaining games. We know exactly where we stand and what we have to do.”
The back-to-back losses raise serious questions about New Zealand’s tournament preparation and ability to compete against top-tier opposition in challenging subcontinental conditions.
Also read this: Pakistan Football Faces Crisis Before Key AFC Qualifier
Tournament Implications and Future Prospects
South Africa’s commanding victory revives their championship hopes after the England disaster, demonstrating they possess the quality to compete with any team when performing to potential. The win provides crucial momentum and confidence for subsequent group matches.
For New Zealand, the loss creates urgent necessity for winning their remaining fixtures to maintain semi-final qualification hopes. Their bowling attack struggled to contain aggressive batting while the batting lineup collapsed under pressure bowling.
Championship Race Intensifies
South Africa’s resurgence adds complexity to the championship race, proving that early tournament losses need not define final standings. Their ability to produce contrasting performances within days highlights the tournament’s unpredictable nature and competitive balance.
As the group stage progresses, South Africa emerges as dangerous floaters capable of defeating any opponent on their day, while New Zealand faces mounting pressure to rediscover winning form quickly.