South Africa delivered a stunning performance to secure a commanding six-wicket victory against New Zealand, the reigning T20I champions, in a thrilling Women’s ODI World Cup match held in Indore on Monday. This remarkable win was largely thanks to Tazmin Brits’ phenomenal century—her fourth in just five matches—and Nonkululeko Mlaba’s exceptional four-wicket haul. Together, they spearheaded South Africa’s successful chase of New Zealand’s 231-run target, achieving it comfortably in 40.5 overs.
This victory marked a dramatic turnaround for the South African side, who had previously been bowled out for a mere 69 runs against England. Their bowling attack, led by the brilliant left-arm spinner Mlaba, who finished with impressive figures of 4/40, effectively contained New Zealand’s scoring and restricted them to 231 runs within 47.5 overs. Mlaba was particularly impactful, initiating a critical middle-order collapse by dismissing key players like New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday. Her contributions also included a crucial run-out, preventing the White Ferns from reaching a more challenging total of 250.
Tazmin Brits led the chase with extraordinary flair, crafting an outstanding 101 runs from just 89 balls, featuring 15 fours and one six. This century, her seventh in One Day Internationals and first in a World Cup, was a masterclass in aggressive batting. She reached her fifty in a blistering 44 balls, her fastest ever in ODI cricket, and celebrated her milestone with a distinctive bow-and-arrow gesture. Brits showed no hesitation from the outset, attacking New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers, Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr, and particularly punishing Amelia Kerr, off whom she scored 19 runs in two overs.
Providing invaluable stability, Sune Luus supported Brits with an unbeaten 81 runs off 114 balls, including nine fours and a six. Their record-breaking 159-run partnership for the third wicket, South Africa’s highest ever in Women’s World Cup history, proved pivotal in their recovery and chase, ultimately sealing the victory with 55 balls to spare.
This significant win has propelled South Africa up the tournament standings, moving them from the bottom to fifth place and considerably improving their Net Run Rate from -3.773 to -1.424. Meanwhile, the 2000 World Cup champions, New Zealand, now find themselves at the bottom after suffering their second loss of the tournament. Their next fixture is against Bangladesh in Guwahati on October 10.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand faced an immediate setback when veteran opener Suzie Bates, playing in her 350th international match, was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. Despite this, Sophie Devine, playing her 300th international match, anchored New Zealand’s innings with a well-composed 85 runs off 98 balls, featuring nine boundaries. She reached her 17th ODI fifty in 65 balls, providing a much-needed foundation amidst regular wicket falls. However, Mlaba’s brilliant second spell ultimately curtailed New Zealand’s momentum, with Brooke Halliday also contributing 45 runs off 37 balls before her dismissal.
South Africa is now set for their next challenge against tournament hosts and strong contenders India in Visakhapatnam on October 9. New Zealand will be eager to bounce back in their upcoming match against Bangladesh.