NZ W VS SA W MATCH 7

So South Africa Women have got their first two points on the table and have got a positive momentum for their next assignment against India Women. They will now travel to the coastal city of Vizag for that clash, scheduled to be played on Thursday, October 9th. For New Zealand Women, after facing two big defeats on the trot, they will leave Indore with a lot to reflect upon before their next clash against Bangladesh Women, as they will fly to Guwahati for that game on 10th October, Friday. But what's next? Action moves to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where England Women will go up against Bangladesh Women. Both sides have begun their campaigns with victories and will look to build on the momentum. That match will be played on 7th October, Tuesday and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT). But do join us for the exciting pre-match analysis and build-up. For now, it is a goodbye. Take care, cheers!

The victorious skipper of South Africa Women, Laura Wolvaardt, expresses her delight after a remarkable turnaround. Notes that this is exactly the kind of performance they knew they were capable of, adding that the team shows great character by quickly putting the last game behind them and bouncing back strongly today. Speaking about their bowling effort, she mentions that the last fifteen overs were outstanding, especially highlighting how well the bowlers executed their death plans. Praises Mlaba, saying that her second spell is exceptional and plays a key role in turning the game. Adds that they have been focusing on their death-over execution for a while, and it’s pleasing to see it come together perfectly today. On her stunning catch to dismiss Tahuhu, she smiles and says she is just lucky it sticks. Notes that fielding has been a major focus within the group and that she is proud of how sharp and committed everyone looks in the field, especially on a quick outfield like this. Speaking about Tazmin Brits, she is full of praise, calling her form phenomenal - seven hundreds in eleven games is remarkable, and she hopes Brits continues this purple patch. Looking ahead, Wolvaardt says the team will enjoy the win tonight but emphasises the need to reset quickly. Ends by saying that cricket always starts at zero, and with another big game against India coming up at a new venue, they’ll regroup, prepare well, and come back even stronger.

The captain of New Zealand Women, Sophie Devine, is up for a chat. She reflects on the defeat and admits that, despite being a different wicket, it still looked like a 270 kind of a wicket. Shares that they kept losing wickets constantly and couldn't have a crack at the backend. Calls it an overall disappointing day for them in the field. Stresses that in a tournament like this, you need to win a lot of games and admits that they will have a bit of pressure in the coming games. But says that they know where they stand in the competition and what needs to be done on the way forward. Highlights that there are still some things that went well for them during both innings, but says that you can't win by playing just half a game. Says she would have enjoyed her knock a bit more had they won. Feels really grateful and humbled that she got the opportunity to wear the jersey 300 times. Says she just wants to give her absolute best in whatever she is doing.

South Africa Women's Tazmin Brits is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her impressive match-winning hundred. She scored 101 off just 89 balls with a strike rate of 113.48. Speaking after the win, she says that it feels great and expresses her relief that the team managed to pull this one through, especially after a tough first game. Mentions how much they desperately needed this victory to get their campaign back on track. On becoming the fastest batter to score seven W-ODI hundreds, she smiles and notes that it’s ‘one for the records.’ When Meg Lanning’s name is mentioned, she laughs and adds that she’s glad to be above that one, but insists that winning games for South Africa matters more than any personal milestone. Reflecting on her approach, she notes that she has been backing herself more and focusing on staying positive. Explains that they had several batting camps to ensure they aren’t one-dimensional and that the focus now is on consistency and intent. Reveals that she was using a new bat in this match, one she hadn’t tried before, and jokes that it might just be her lucky one going forward. Says that her focus was simple - to stay positive and time the ball well. On her celebration after reaching her century, she explains with a smile that it was a special one. Sinalo actually asked them about their next celebration, and she gave them a few ideas. She calls the fifty celebration for her dad, while for the hundred, she had two young girls in mind - one in Australia and one in South Africa, who asked her to do this celebration. So, this one is for them.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the game, Sophie Devine chose to bat, but the start was rocky as Bates fell on the very first ball and the White Ferns struggled to gain momentum against disciplined bowling and a slowing pitch. Kerr and Plimmer steadied things with a 44-run partnership, but it was Devine’s arrival that sparked the innings. She anchored two crucial fifty-plus stands, first adding 57 with Plimmer and then constructing 86 with Halliday, keeping the momentum alive. Just as a massive total seemed possible, a dramatic collapse saw them fall from 187/3 to 231 all out, unable to complete their overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the architect of the turnaround, claiming four key wickets and leaving New Zealand deflated.

As seen in the first innings, targeting the stumps and forcing the batters to play proved most effective, something the Kiwis failed to replicate in their early exchanges with the ball. With a solid platform, Luus and Brits guided the chase with composure. Though their strike rotation was occasionally hurried, they executed the fundamentals well - respecting the good deliveries and capitalising on every scoring opportunity. As the game wore on, the gulf between the two teams became even more pronounced. The Kiwis struggled to rotate strike, played out far too many dot balls, and their fielding lacked sharpness. While the Proteas put their bodies on the line and saved every possible run, the White Ferns looked a touch casual, allowing easy singles and boundaries to slip through. There were some late strikes by Amelia Kerr, but ultimately they were pushed way behind by that 159-run stand between Luus and Brits.

It was smooth sailing for the Proteas, with the gulf in quality between the two sides clearly visible. The White Ferns failed to string together quiet overs to curb the scoring, something the Proteas managed expertly through their spinners. Boundaries arrived almost every over, which was enough to meet the demands of the asking rate. The South African batters had answers for everything thrown their way. Dominating the middle phase without any real setbacks, Brits brought up a superbly crafted century, breaking several records along the way. Luus provided ideal support with a composed half-century, and together they completely deflated the White Ferns.

Chasing a moderate to below-par total, all the Proteas needed was a steady start. They did lose skipper Wolvaardt early, but a flurry of extras and loose deliveries allowed Luus and Brits to settle in comfortably. Although the bowlers found a hint of early sideways movement, they struggled to maintain control and consistency. The South African batters showed clear willingness to punish every loose ball, and as a result, they dominated the Powerplay with 54 for 1 on the board, compared to New Zealand’s 38 for 1 at the same stage.

After being demolished by England Women in their first assignment, getting bowled out on 69, in Guwahati, the Proteas have stormed back in style, securing their first points of the World Cup. On the other hand, it’s back-to-back heavy defeats for New Zealand Women, and this one in particular will leave a significant dent in their net run rate. Their bowling has been tested to the limit in these two games, yet they’ve struggled to find the right answers. After conceding over 300 runs against Australia not long ago, they have now failed to defend a modest total on a good batting surface.

DONE AND DUSTED! South Africa Women win by 6 wickets with 55 balls to spare against New Zealand Women. Full and outside off, Sune Luus gets down and chips it over the infield at extra cover. Takes two runs to seal the deal before the ball races away to the fence. This is the first win for the Proteas in the ODI World Cup 2025.

Short and around middle, pulled down to deep mid-wicket for a single. Just 2 needed.

Shorter and slower, around off, Sinalo Jafta goes back and tries to cut it but ends up chopping it down off the inside half of the bat. Luckily for her, the ball doesn't roll away in the direction of the stumps.

Dragged back length and around middle, swiped it across to deep backward square leg for one. 3 needed now.

Short and around middle, tucked it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Eden Carson (4-0-27-0) is back on. South Africa Women just a hit away from their first win, needing only 4 to win.

Nagging length and around middle, nudged away to mid-wicket off the front foot.