Brits & Mlaba Propel South Africa to Six-Wicket Win Over New Zealand in Women’s World Cup 2025
South Africa’s women secured a convincing victory over New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup 2025, as they chased down 232 for 4 with six wickets in hand. The match was driven by an outstanding century from Tazmin Brits, a gritty half-century from Sune Luus, and a game-changing spell from Nonkululeko Mlaba.
South Africa women win by 6 wickets! Solid show with both bat & ball – a complete team performance! 💪🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) October 6, 2025
📸 Getty #SAWvNZW #WomensWorldCup #TeamSA #CricketWin #CWC2025 #CricketVibes #WomenInCricket #Victory #CricketCelebration #SAW pic.twitter.com/xyUr1Mun2W
Mlaba Injects Collapse in New Zealand’s Middle Order
The Women’s World Cup 2025 match shifted decisively thanks to Mlaba’s 4 for 40. At 187 for 3 in 38 overs, New Zealand looked well set, but Mlaba’s bowling triggered a dramatic collapse. She dismissed key batters like Brooke Halliday and stripped momentum from Sophie Devine’s innings.
Halliday’s aggressive 45 off 37 provided hope through sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but she fell attempting a lofted slog. Her dismissal opened the floodgates, as Devine, having scored a measured 85, fell soon after. New Zealand then lost 7 wickets for 44 runs and were bowled out at 231.
Brits & Luus Dominate the Chase
During the run chase in the Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa started steadily before GMT turned on the aggression. Tazmin Brits unleashed a powerful innings, scoring 101 while dispatching spinners with dominance. She reached her fifty in just 44 balls and struck 15 boundaries and a six.
Meanwhile, Sune Luus played a supporting role with a composed 83*, anchoring the chase through difficult phases. Her patient approach complemented Brits’ aggression, and she raised the winning runs with a lofted shot over extra cover.
Brits now holds the record for the most centuries by a woman in a calendar year, with her fifth ton in 2025.
Sophie Devine smashes 85 while Suné Luus counters with an unbeaten 83* – brilliant knocks from both stars! 💥🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) October 6, 2025
📸 Getty #SophieDevine #SuneLuus #WomensWorldCup #NZvsSA #CricketFever #WomensCricket #CricketStars #CWC2025 #CricketLove #IncredibleKnocks pic.twitter.com/ZeeBMeW1eh
Turning Point of the Match & Key Insights
New Zealand’s innings was overly cautious early, with 72 dot balls in the first 15 overs. That put undue pressure on their middle order. The collapse after 187 for 3 was the difference.
In contrast, South Africa showed resilience. Even when Brits fell attempting a pull, Luus held firm. The match underlined the importance of momentum, control over spin, and handling pressure in key phases.
Going forward, South Africa will carry confidence into their next match against India in Visakhapatnam. New Zealand, meanwhile, face a tough road in Guwahati against Bangladesh.
