South Africa Women started their World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand, finishing the chase with 55 balls to spare. It was a clinical display from the Proteas — first restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 231, and then chasing it down comfortably thanks to a superb Tazmin Brits century and a solid supporting knock from Sune Luus.

While New Zealand’s Sophie Devine (85) and Brooke Halliday (45) tried to build momentum, South Africa’s disciplined bowling — led by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s brilliant 4-wicket spell — ensured the target stayed within reach. In reply, the South African top order made the chase look effortless, sealing an emphatic win to open their tournament account in style.

New Zealand Innings 

After choosing to bat first, New Zealand had a shaky start as Suzie Bates was dismissed for a duck by Marizanne Kapp in the very first over. Amelia Kerr (23 off 42) and Georgia Plimmer (31 off 68) tried to rebuild the innings but found it hard to score freely against South Africa’s tight bowling.

The innings truly came alive when Sophie Devine (85 off 98) took charge. She batted with control and timing, hitting 9 boundaries during her stay. Partnering with Brooke Halliday (45 off 37), the pair added a crucial stand of 86 runs that lifted the total past 180 and gave New Zealand hope of a big finish.

However, after Devine’s dismissal by Nonkululeko Mlaba, the lower order collapsed. Mlaba’s left-arm spin proved unplayable as she took 4 wickets for just 40 runs, including key scalps of Halliday and Maddy Green. The rest of the batters couldn’t capitalize on the platform, and New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 47.5 overs despite benefiting from 19 wides.

For South Africa, apart from Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka (1/31), Marizanne Kapp (1/34), and Nadine de Klerk (1/32) bowled with consistency.

South Africa Innings 

Chasing 232, South Africa started briskly with Laura Wolvaardt (14) hitting three quick boundaries before falling to Jess Kerr. After that, it was all about Tazmin Brits. She played a majestic knock of 101 runs off just 89 balls, smashing 15 fours and a six. Her timing and placement made batting look easy on a pitch where others had struggled.

At the other end, Sune Luus (83 off 114)* anchored the innings perfectly, rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed. The pair added a match-winning 159-run partnership that completely took the game away from New Zealand.

A couple of late wickets — including Marizanne Kapp (14) and Anne Bosch (0) — came too late to matter as Sinalo Jafta (6)* joined Luus to take the team home comfortably in the 41st over.

For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr was the most successful bowler with 2/62, while Lea Tahuhu (1/27) and Jess Kerr (1/41) took one each.

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 231 all out in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 85, Brooke Halliday 45, Georgia Plimmer 31; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/40, Nadine de Klerk 1/32)

South Africa: 234/4 in 40.5 overs (Tazmin Brits 101, Sune Luus 83*; Amelia Kerr 2/62, Lea Tahuhu 1/27)