INDORE, India: Tazmin Brits struck a magnificent century as South Africa Women defeated New Zealand Women by six wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on Monday, keeping their campaign alive after a poor start to the tournament.
Brits, who hammered 101 off 89 balls with 15 fours and a six, shared a match-winning 159-run stand with Sune Luus as South Africa chased down a 232-run target in just 40.5 overs at the Holkar Stadium.
New Zealand collapse after strong start
Asked to bat first, New Zealand were dismissed for 231 in 47.5 overs after appearing set for a much bigger total. Skipper Sophie Devine continued her fine form with 85 off 98 balls, while Brooke Halliday contributed 45 off 37 deliveries.
The pair added 86 runs for the fourth wicket and seemed to have put New Zealand on course for a total close to 270. However, their dismissals triggered a dramatic collapse, as New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs in her 10-over spell.
Her incisive bowling ensured New Zealand never recovered momentum after Halliday’s departure in the 39th over.
Brits, Luus steer South Africa home
In response, South Africa lost captain Laura Wolvaardt early for 14, but Brits and Luus steadied the innings with composure and confidence. Their record second-wicket partnership took the game away from New Zealand’s bowlers.
Brits’ fluent century marked one of her finest performances in one-day internationals, while Luus played the perfect supporting role, finishing unbeaten on 83 off 114 balls, including nine fours and a six.
The duo’s partnership effectively sealed the contest, with the Proteas reaching the target with more than nine overs to spare.
Tazmin Brits' blistering century ensured South Africa grabbed their first points of #CWC25 👌#NZvSA 📝: https://t.co/JEcREL7jq0 pic.twitter.com/aaVsanLedL
— ICC (@ICC) October 6, 2025
The win helped South Africa bounce back strongly after their heavy ten-wicket defeat in the opening match of the tournament. It also handed New Zealand their second consecutive loss, putting their semi-final hopes under pressure.
Match summary
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Match 7 – Indore
New Zealand Women: 231 all out in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 85, Brooke Halliday 45; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4-40)
South Africa Women: 232/4 in 40.5 overs (Tazmin Brits 101, Sune Luus 83 not out)
Result: South Africa Women won by 6 wickets
