The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a thrilling encounter in Colombo as South Africa Women showcased nerves of steel to chase down New Zealand Women’s total of 231, sealing a commanding six-wicket victory with 9.1 overs to spare. It was a game that ebbed and flowed — New Zealand’s innings revolved around a superb captain’s knock from Sophie Devine, whose 85 off 98 anchored their total, while Nonkululeko Mlaba’s (4/40) precise spin bowling kept the Proteas in control by dismantling the middle order.
Chasing 232 for victory, South Africa recovered from the early loss of Laura Wolvaardt (14 off 10) thanks to a masterful second-wicket partnership between Tazmin Brits (101 off 89) and Sune Luus (83* off 114), whose 159-run stand laid the perfect foundation for a confident run chase. For her match-winning hundred, Tazmin Brits was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
Highlights from the match:
Sophie Devine – 85 (98)
Sophie’s captain’s knock (85 off 98; 9 fours) was the backbone of New Zealand’s 231. She pushed the innings along through the middle overs and looked set to take NZ to a bigger total but was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba at 7-220 (44.2 overs) — her dismissal precipitated a brief late collapse that saw New Zealand all out for 231.
Nonkululeko Mlaba – 10-0-40-4
Mlaba produced the game’s best bowling figures, returning 4/40 from 10 overs. Her victims read like the heart of New Zealand’s line-up: Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green and Lea Tahuhu. Those four strikes — spread through the middle and late order — were crucial in limiting New Zealand to a modest total and keeping South Africa firmly in the contest.
Tazmin Brits – 101 (89)
A brilliant, counter-attacking century from Brits (101 off 89; 15 fours, 1 six; SR 113.48) anchored the chase. After Laura Wolvaardt’s early wicket at 26, Brits and Sune Luus put on a massive 159-run second wicket stand that broke New Zealand’s spirit. Brits was eventually dismissed by Lea Tahuhu at 2-185 (31.1 overs), but by then the chase was decisively in South Africa’s favour. Her aggressive stroke play, control, and ability to rotate strike ensured the momentum never slipped — earning her the Player of the Match award.
Sune Luus – 83 *(114) & 5-0-32-0
Sune played the perfect foil to Brits’ aggression — patient, composed, and precise under pressure. Her 83* off 114 balls (9 fours, 1 six) saw her guide the innings through tricky phases and finish unbeaten as South Africa reached 234/4 in 40.5 overs. Earlier in the match, she bowled a tidy 5 overs for 32 in New Zealand’s innings, showcasing her all-round value and calm leadership in the middle order.
Loves all things female cricket