In a tightly contested encounter at the Holkar Stadium, New Zealand Women posted 231 all out in 47.5 overs against South Africa Women, setting the Proteas a challenging target of 232 to secure their first win in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025. Captain Sophie Devine led the batting charge with a gritty 85 off 92 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes, while Brooke Halliday contributed a steady 45 to anchor the innings. However, South Africa's bowlers, spearheaded by teenage spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba's career-best 4/34, orchestrated a sharp collapse, restricting the White Ferns after a promising start. Both teams, winless following opening defeats, view this group-stage fixture as pivotal for momentum in the tournament hosted across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
New Zealand, who lost by 89 runs to Australia in their opener despite Devine's century, elected to bat first after winning the toss. Veteran opener Suzie Bates marked her 350th international appearance with a brisk 22, but early breakthroughs from Marizanne Kapp (2/38) and Ayabonga Khaka pegged them back at 62/3. Devine and Halliday rebuilt with a 92-run stand, injecting stability amid the pressure of a must-win game.
Mlaba's introduction turned the tide, claiming three middle-order wickets in quick succession, including Halliday and Amelia Kerr (18). The lower order crumbled, with Lea Tahuhu (12) the only other notable contribution, as Nadine de Klerk (2/45) mopped up the tail. This total reflects New Zealand's batting inconsistencies since 2024, where they've crossed 250 just twice in ODIs, highlighting the need for collective resilience against South Africa's seasoned attack.
South Africa, reeling from a humiliating 10-wicket thrashing by England—where they were skittled for a record-low 69—enter the chase desperate for redemption. Captain Laura Wolvaardt, averaging over 50 in 2025, will anchor alongside opener Tazmin Brits, who has notched three centuries this year. The Proteas' recent ODI woes stem from batting collapses, including a 115 all out against Pakistan, but their bowling depth offers hope.
Mlaba's haul, combined with Kapp's experience, underscores a unit that has taken 20 wickets in their last three outings. New Zealand's bowlers, led by the Kerr sisters—Amelia and Jess—alongside pacers Tahuhu and Rosemary Mair, will aim to exploit any early nerves. The pitch at Holkar, known for favouring balanced contests since its ODI debut in 2006, promises a tense pursuit under partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 28°C.
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As the World Cup intensifies, this matchup pits two mid-table contenders against each other in the eight-team round-robin format. New Zealand holds a historical edge, winning 12 of 20 ODIs against South Africa, including their last encounter in 2024. A victory here could propel either side toward semi-final contention, with India leading the table after an 88-run rout of Pakistan.
Fans in India can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network, while global viewers tune into regional broadcasters. With both squads blending youth and experience—New Zealand's Bates nearing retirement and South Africa's Dercksen in peak form—the outcome may hinge on who executes under pressure in Indore's vibrant atmosphere.
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