“Such an amazing turnaround”: Laura Wolvaardt sums up South Africa’s thrilling 6-wicket win over New Zealand in Women’s ODI World Cup
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
South Africa’s women’s team celebrated a memorable win over New Zealand, giving the squad a much‑needed boost in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. The game ended with a six‑wicket victory for South Africa, who chased New Zealand’s 231 in 41 overs.
A turnaround for South Africa
Captain Laura Wolvaardt called the win “amazing” and praised her bowlers for the tight run‑rate in the final 15 overs. She noted that a key moment was Nonkululeko Mlaba’s second spell, which collapsed New Zealand’s innings. “We were capable of this from the start,” Wolvaardt said. “We just needed to forget the first game and bounce back.” She also highlighted the team’s fielding improvement, acing a big outfield and catching a crucial ball from Lea Tahuhu.
Wolvaardt didn’t shy away from her excitement over Tazmin Brits’ performance. “Brits has scored 600 runs in the last seven games,” she said. “Her strike‑rate is phenomenal.”
Tazmin Brits sets a new record
Brits, who made 101 off 82 balls, became the world’s fastest woman to hit seven ODI centuries, passing Meg Lanning. It was her fifth hundred of the year – the most ever for a woman in a single calendar year. She credited her confidence to a series of batting camps that helped her stay positive and expand her game.
“It’s tough to focus on records,” Brits said. “But seeing myself in that group means a lot. I hope I keep going strong.” She also mentioned that the bat she used in the match felt “lucky” as it turned out to be new, hinting at a promise to keep it safe for her dad.
New Zealand’s reaction
New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine was disappointed but game‑oriented after the loss. She praised South Africa’s top‑order for neutralising New Zealand’s planned attack, noting that when wickets fell in quick succession the team struggled. Devine said: “It’s a tough pressure from the start of the tournament. We have to play fully every time.”
Her own performance was a bright spot, scoring 85 runs with two fours. However, a four‑over spell from Nonkululeko Mlaba triggered a collapse, leaving New Zealand at 231 all out before 50 overs.
Match highlights
- New Zealand: 231/10 (Devine 85, Halliday 45; Mlaba 4/45)
- South Africa: 234/4 (Brits 101, Luus 83; Kerr 2/62)
Marine‑style wickets from Murazanne Kaap, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tyron also stifled the Kiwi batting.
The win gives South Africa a strong footing after a ten‑wicket defeat to England in the opening game. New Zealand, meanwhile, now face consecutive defeats, having already lost to Australia.
With the World Cup still in full swing, South Africa looks prepared for their next key matches, while New Zealand searches for a turnaround after a stinging loss.
Source: aninews
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