South Africa’s women shot ahead and won the World Cup match against New Zealand by six wickets at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Monday.
Tazmin Brits blasted a quick 101 from 89 balls to give the Proteas a strong lead. She hit 15 fours and a lone six, taking South Africa’s score to 230 in just 17 overs. Sune Luus joined her to build a record partnership, finishing unbeaten on 83. The pair added 150 runs together, the biggest wicket‑stand for South Africa in a World Cup game and the most 100‑run partnership by a South African pair in 2025.
South Africa were off to a roaring start. Brits and Laura Wolvaardt hit three boundaries in the first two overs of the powerplay, then Brits added three more in the next over before being dismissed for 14. The openers kept the run rate over five, and even after a brief pause, the duo kept smashing boundaries.
South Africa’s bowlers put New Zealand under pressure from the beginning. Left‑arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took four wickets for 40 runs, including that of Sophie Devine, who finished with 85. Amelia Kerr took two wickets, while Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu each claimed one.
New Zealand began with a disastrous start, losing opener Suzie Bates for a duck on the very first delivery. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr offered a brief rescue with a 44‑run partnership, but the rest of the innings was a break‑away. New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs, their lowest score of the tournament.
South Africa were cruising towards the target when a brief run‑put appeal rattled the Proteas. A replay cleared the concern and Brits’ foot remained inside the crease. She finished her century, becoming the most prolific scorer in a calendar year for a South African woman—matching Smriti Mandhana’s record of four centuries so far this year, but in fewer innings.
When Luus reached her half‑century, the scoreboard read 159/1 after 26 overs and the chase was well in hand. Brits remained the only one out of the final wicket pair until Leah Tahuhu took her off, giving New Zealand a small reprieve. The Proteas finished 234/4 in 40.5 overs, batting through 55 balls and ensuring victory.
Stats in a nutshell: New Zealand 231/10 (Devine 85, Halliday 45; Mlaba 4‑40); South Africa 234/4 (Brits 101, Luus 83*; Kerr 2‑62). The win boosts South Africa’s confidence ahead of the next group game.
Source: ianslive
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