When International Cricket Council announced the results of ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, South Africa’s women’s side clinched a six‑wicket victory over New Zealand, sending the Kiwis to the bottom of the points table.
Match Overview
The seventh fixture of the round‑robin stage unfolded on 6 October 2025, 3:00 PM IST. Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s captain, had been looking for redemption after an 89‑run loss to Australia. Across the pitch, Laura Wolvaardt, leading the South African side, was eager to erase the memory of a dismal 69‑run total against England.
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
- Match number: 7 of 28
- Result: South Africa won by six wickets
- New Zealand points: 0 (two losses)
- South Africa points: 2 (one win, one loss)
Team Line‑ups and Key Players
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team named a strong XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isobel Gaze, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson and Brooke Elying. Devine had smashed 112 against Australia in the opening match, and Kerr contributed a handy 33.
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team fielded: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marianne Kapp, Sune Luus, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta and a handful of others. The all‑rounder Annerie Dercksen was omitted after the England defeat but was reportedly reconsidered for later matches.
The twist is that Sune Luus played a match‑winning unbeaten 83, propelling South Africa to the target with just three overs to spare.
Match Result and Statistics
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. They managed 237 /9 in 50 overs, a respectable total given the early wicket of Bates. The innings saw Devine’s steady 46 and a quick‑fire 28 from Gaze.
South Africa’s chase was anchored by Wolvaardt’s 45 and Luus’s 83* off 71 balls. The partnership of 124 runs for the fourth wicket turned the tide. England‑style discipline in the field helped contain the New Zealand bowlers, who could only claim two wickets.
Statistically, the match featured 15 boundaries from South Africa, a strike‑rate of 112.6 for Luus, and a bowling economy of 4.8 for New Zealand’s lead pacer Lea Tahuhu.
Implications for the Tournament
South Africa’s win catapulted them to second place on the points table with two points, keeping them firmly in the race for a semi‑final berth. The victory also boosted morale after the embarrassing England loss, showing they can rebound quickly.
For New Zealand, the second straight loss left them languishing in seventh place with zero points. The team now faces a must‑win clash against Bangladesh at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 9 October 2025. The pressure is palpable; Devine’s leadership will be under the microscope.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s round‑robin format means every match still matters. With only eight teams, a single win can shuffle the top‑four dramatically, especially as the middle‑pack teams jostle for those last two semi‑final spots.
Future Fixtures and What to Watch
South Africa’s next encounter is against the West Indies on 12 October 2025 in Mumbai. Expect Wolvaardt to anchor the innings while Brits looks to add power‑hitting. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will aim to reset against Bangladesh, hoping Devine can deliver another big knock.
Keep an eye on emerging talents like Georgia Plimmer for New Zealand and Marianne Kapp for South Africa. Both are poised to become regular fixtures in their national line‑ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does South Africa’s win affect their chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
The victory lifts South Africa to second place with two points, putting them ahead of England and Australia. With three matches left, they are well‑positioned to secure a top‑four finish, provided they maintain at least one more win.
Which New Zealand players could turn the tide in their next match?
Captain Sophie Devine’s experience and Amelia Kerr’s spin are crucial. If Bates recovers form and Gaze adds quick runs, New Zealand could post a defendable total against Bangladesh.
What was the biggest factor behind South Africa’s comeback after the England loss?
The decision to promote Sune Luus up the order paid off. Her unbeaten 83, combined with steady contributions from Wolvaardt and Brits, gave South Africa the momentum they needed.
Will the venue change influence team performances in the upcoming games?
Yes. Moving from the slower pitches of Indore to the faster, bouncier tracks in Guwahati could favour pace bowlers like Tahuhu, while spin‑reliant players may need to adapt quickly.
What are experts saying about the overall quality of this World Cup?
Cricket analysts note that the tournament has delivered high‑scoring games and close finishes, indicating deeper talent pools across the women’s game. The competitive balance suggests a tighter race for the knockout stage than seen in previous editions.
