In the world of women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), South Africa Women are often celebrated for their strong performances and resilience. However, like any cricket team, they have faced moments where batting collapses have left them reeling. Whether up against formidable teams like New Zealand and England or struggling against subcontinental sides like Bangladesh and Pakistan, these low scores reveal the challenges of top-level cricket. Here’s a rundown of South Africa Women’s five lowest ODI totals, the matches behind them, and the lessons learned.
1. 51/10 (vs New Zealand), 2009
South Africa Women’s lowest-ever ODI total occurred in Bowral against New Zealand in 2009, where they were bowled out for a mere 51 runs in just 22.1 overs. With a run rate of only 2.30, it was a performance devoid of stability. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Aimee Watkins and Suzie Bates, put on a bowling masterclass. The top score for South Africa was just 25 runs, and eight players fell for single digits. New Zealand comfortably chased down the target in just 22.1 overs, winning by 9 wickets.
2. 63/10 (vs Pakistan), 2019
A decade later, South Africa faced another tough game at home in Potchefstroom against Pakistan. With expectations high on their familiar pitches, they collapsed, scoring only 63 runs in 22.5 overs at a sluggish run rate of 2.75. Pakistan’s Sana Mir shone with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for just 11 runs, with support from Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar. Chloe Tryon (21) and Mignon du Preez (18) top-scored for South Africa in the collapse. Pakistan finished the chase within 15 overs, winning by 8 wickets.
3. 69/10 (vs England), 2025
In a more recent collapse, South Africa found themselves all out for 69 against England in Guwahati during the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. Lasting only 20.4 overs with a run rate of 3.33, the innings showcased England’s formidable pace attack. Lauren Smith, Nat Sciver Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean annihilated the batting lineup, with Smith taking three wickets in her first spell. Only Sinalo Jafta from South Africa managed to reach double digits, the highest score being 22.
4. 75/10 (vs Bangladesh), 2012
Mirpur was the stage for South Africa’s collapse to 75 all out in 2012 against Bangladesh, leaving fans shocked. The innings crawled along at a run rate of just 2.16, dominated by the spin of Bangladesh’s bowlers. Rumana Ahmed and Khadija Tul Kubra were exceptional, taking 3 wickets each, and preventing South Africa from gaining any momentum, as eight batters were dismissed for single-digit scores. Bangladesh chased down the modest target inside 38 overs, winning by 2 wickets.
5. 77/10 (vs England), 2013
The fifth-lowest score for South Africa came in Cuttack against England in 2013, where they were all out for 77 runs in 29.3 overs. Anya Shrubsole was the main disruptor, ripping through the lineup with a stunning 5 wickets for 17 runs. South Africa’s batters struggled with the movement, resulting in only four batters managing double digits scores, with Dane van Niekerk top-scoring with 17*. England chased down the target comfortably in just 9.3 overs, winning by 7 wickets.
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