South Africa earned their first win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a convincing six-wicket victory over New Zealand.
After losing badly to England in their first match, the Proteas made a strong comeback. For New Zealand, this was their second loss in a row, after being defeated by Australia earlier.
While chasing 231, Tazmin Brits starred with a brilliant century — scoring 101 runs off 89 balls with 15 boundaries. With this knock, she became the first woman to score five ODI centuries in a single year.
Sune Luus also played an important role, staying unbeaten on 83, as South Africa easily reached the target of 232 runs.
Brits and Luus built a strong 159-run partnership for the second wicket, putting South Africa in full control after the early fall of Laura Wolvaardt and taking the game away from New Zealand.
For the White Ferns, Amelia Kerr took two wickets, dismissing Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu also took a wicket each, with Tahuhu removing Brits, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop South Africa from winning.
Earlier, in New Zealand’s innings, Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled brilliantly for South Africa. After being 187/4 at one point, New Zealand lost their rhythm and kept losing wickets in the final overs.
Mlaba was the standout bowler with 4 wickets for 40 runs, including the key dismissal of Sophie Devine, who scored 85. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each picked up one wicket as well.
Brits and Luus put on a strong 159-run partnership for the second wicket, giving South Africa full control after the early loss of Laura Wolvaardt and turning the match in their favor against New Zealand.
For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr took the last two wickets by dismissing Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu also took a wicket each, with Tahuhu getting the key wicket of Brits, but their efforts couldn’t stop South Africa from winning.
Earlier, Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled brilliantly for South Africa in New Zealand’s innings. After reaching 187/4, New Zealand lost their momentum and kept losing wickets in the final overs.
Mlaba was the best bowler with 4 wickets for 40 runs, including the important wicket of Sophie Devine, who scored 85. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon also took one wicket each.