Image credit-Hindustan Times
Brits Blitz and Mlaba Magic: South Africa Stun New Zealand in World Cup Thriller! A Massive Comeback Statement!
South Africa Women staged a spectacular, confidence-boosting comeback in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, defeating New Zealand Women by a dominant 6 wickets in the 7th match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The foundation for victory was laid by the sensational, game-changing four-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (4/40), which restricted New Zealand's potentially imposing total to just 231. The chase was then expertly anchored by a record-breaking, blistering, run-a-ball century (101 off 89) from Player of the Match Tazmin Brits, who collaborated with the composed Sune Luus (83*). This comprehensive win is a huge psychological victory and injects vital momentum into the Proteas' campaign!
World Cup Shocker: South Africa's Dominance Leaves Winless White Ferns Reeling in Indore Thriller
Indore (Mon, Oct 6) - The narrative of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 took a dramatic turn at the Holkar Cricket Stadium as South Africa Women delivered a performance of sheer class and conviction, crushing New Zealand Women by six wickets. Still smarting from a previous hammering, the Proteas showed incredible character, blending disciplined bowling with audacious batting to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Mlaba's Web of Spin Chokes the White Ferns
New Zealand's decision to bat first after winning the toss immediately backfired. Veteran campaigner Suzie Bates, playing in her 350th international match, was dismissed for a disappointing golden duck by the ever-reliable Marizanne Kapp. While Captain Sophie Devine (85 off 98) fought valiantly, anchoring partnerships with Georgia Plimmer (31) and the hard-hitting Brooke Halliday (45 off 37) to propel the score to a commanding 187/3, the White Ferns' momentum was brutally halted.
Enter Nonkululeko Mlaba. The left-arm spinner wove a devastating web, her precise bowling dismantling the Kiwi middle and lower order. Mlaba’s brilliant spell of 4/40 saw her claim the crucial wickets of Devine and Halliday, sparking a dramatic collapse where New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for a mere 44 runs. From a platform for a 270+ score, the White Ferns limped to a well-below-par 231 all-out in 47.5 overs. This collapse was the first turning point of the game.
Tazmin Brits' Historic Hundred Anchors Record Chase
Chasing 232, South Africa were momentarily rattled when skipper Laura Wolvaardt (14) fell early. However, the subsequent partnership was pure gold. Tazmin Brits, an opener on a mission, partnered with the experienced Sune Luus to forge a spectacular stand that completely took the game away from New Zealand.
Brits was a force of nature, blending aggression with flawless timing to pepper the boundary rope. She raced to a magnificent, counter-attacking century in just 89 balls, her 7th career ODI hundred. More impressively, this was her fifth ODI century in the calendar year 2025, a historic new record in women's cricket!
Brits and Luus (a solid, unbeaten 83 off 114) constructed a breathtaking 159-run partnership for the third wicket—the highest ever for South Africa in any Women's World Cup match! Though Brits was eventually bowled by Lea Tahuhu for 101, the damage was done. Luus and Sinalo Jafta ensured there were no further hiccups, sealing the comprehensive six-wicket victory in just 40.5 overs.
The Final Verdict and What's Next
This commanding win for the Proteas is a huge testament to their team spirit and tactical efficiency, significantly boosting their tournament prospects. For New Zealand, who are now winless, this performance raises serious questions about their finishing ability and bowling depth. Tazmin Brits was the deserved Player of the Match for her monumental innings.
The World Cup drama continues Today with the 8th Match featuring England Women vs Bangladesh Women at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Don't miss the action!
#CWC25#TazminBritsCentury#ProteaFire
إرسال تعليق