The seventh fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises a thrilling contest as New Zealand lock horns with South Africa on October 6th at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The match begins at 3:00 PM IST, setting the stage for a crucial encounter as both teams seek to bounce back from opening defeats. With both sides aiming to regain momentum, this clash could prove decisive in shaping their tournament campaigns.
New Zealand’s campaign began on a tough note against Australia. Opting to bowl first, they reduced Australia to 128/5 before Ashleigh Gardner’s career-best 115 powered the defending champions to 327. Despite Sophie Devine’s valiant 112 (112) and brief contributions from Amelia Kerr (33 off 56) and Isabella Gaze (28 off 18), the White Ferns were bowled out for 237, falling short by 89 runs.
South Africa, on the other hand, endured an even tougher start against England. Their batting lineup crumbled for just 69 runs, with Sinalo Jafta (22 off 36) being the only player to offer resistance. Their bowlers had little to defend, and England comfortably chased down the target by 10 wickets. The Proteas will be desperate to regroup and find their rhythm in Indore.
Squads:
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
After an unfortunate run-out without facing a ball against Australia, Plimmer will be eager to make amends. In 25 ODIs, she has scored 396 runs with the best of 112 and could be key in stabilizing New Zealand’s middle order.
Lea Tahuhu
The experienced pacer impressed in the opening fixture with disciplined bowling, taking 3/42 in 8 overs and dismissing big names like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath. Across 98 ODIs, she has claimed 118 wickets, with the best of 5/37, and will be vital with the new ball.
Laura Wolvaardt
The South African captain managed only 5 runs against England but remains one of the most consistent batters in world cricket. Ranked No. 4 globally, she has amassed 4656 runs in 111 ODIs at an average of 48.50, including the highest of 184*.
Marizanne Kapp
A world-class allrounder, Kapp’s experience will be crucial to South Africa’s recovery. From 154 ODIs, she has scored 3307 runs, including the best of 121* with the bat, and taken 169 wickets, including the best of 5/45, often delivering under pressure with both bat and ball.
Pitch:
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore is known for producing high-scoring matches, with true bounce and a quick outfield. However, as the game progresses, spinners tend to get some grip and assistance. Teams winning the toss generally prefer to bat first, with the average first-innings score around 280.
Weather:
Indore is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures around 29°C. Rain interruptions are unlikely with only a 5% chance of precipitation, though humidity may reach up to 80%. Gentle winds (14 kph) could offer early movement for pacers, especially under lights.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze, Lea Tahuhu, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon
Match Details:
Date – October 6, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Broadcast – Live on Star Sports Network | Streaming on JioHotstar
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