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.
Form Guide – New Zealand
New Zealand’s campaign began on a tough note against Australia. Opting to bowl first, they reduced the defending champions to 128/5 before Ashleigh Gardner’s career-best 115 powered them 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.
New Zealand’s 2025 season has been brief and mixed, featuring only 2 ODIs before the World Cup. Earlier in the year, they claimed a 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, after the first ODI was washed out. The White Ferns then dominated the next two matches, winning by 78 and 98 runs.
However, their form heading into the tournament was inconsistent. New Zealand lost both warm-up matches — by 4 wickets (DLS) to India A and 4 wickets (DLS) to India and the White Ferns will be eager to regain rhythm and confidence as they face South Africa in a crucial contest.
Form Guide – South Africa
South Africa 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 reach double digits. Their bowlers had little to defend, and England comfortably chased down the target by 10 wickets.
South Africa’s route to the World Cup has been anything but straightforward. In the Tri-Nation Series against India and Sri Lanka, they managed only 1 win in 4 matches. Momentum returned during the West Indies tour in June, where they secured a 2-1 series win. They toured Pakistan in September, where they won the series 2-1. Their warm-up fixtures saw one washout and a four-wicket win in the other, helping them arrive at the World Cup with renewed belief.
Head-to-Head:
- Total Matches – 20
- New Zealand Wins – 12
- South Africa Wins – 8
New Zealand have maintained an upper hand over South Africa in ODIs, winning 12 of the 20 meetings so far. Their most recent clash came during New Zealand’s 2023 tour of South Africa, where the hosts claimed the series 2-1.
Both sides eye redemption after early setbacks. Conditions should suit stroke play, making every partnership crucial. A defining clash awaits as both teams chase their first win.
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