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A spectacular century from Tazmin Brits and a composed knock from Sune Luus powered South Africa to a dominant six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the seventh match of the at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Chasing 232, South Africa cruised to the target in 40.5 overs, thanks to a record 159-run partnership between Brits and Luus.
Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus lead South Africa’s chase
After losing captain Laura Wolvaardt early for 14, South Africa’s chase was steadied brilliantly by Tazmin Brits, who played one of her finest World Cup innings. Her 101 off 89 balls featured 15 fours and a six, showcasing a masterclass in timing and controlled aggression. She paced her innings superbly – first consolidating after the early wicket, then attacking the spinners with precision.
At the other end, Sune Luus anchored the innings with an assured 81 not out off 114 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Luus played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike effectively and allowing Brits to dominate. Their partnership effectively took the game away from New Zealand as South Africa reached 185/1 before both fell in quick succession.
Although Marizanne Kapp (14) and Anneke Bosch (0) fell cheaply, Sinalo Jafta (6 not out) completed the formalities with ease, guiding the Proteas to victory with 55 balls remaining.
New Zealand struggle despite Sophie Devine’s heroics
Earlier, New Zealand Women, after electing to bat first, , largely thanks to Sophie Devine’s captain’s innings of 85 (98). Devine displayed her trademark stroke play, striking nine boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving even as wickets fell around her.
After the early dismissal of Suzie Bates (0), New Zealand found stability through Georgia Plimmer (31) and Amelia Kerr (23), but both failed to convert their starts. Devine found support from Brooke Halliday (45 off 37), who played a brisk innings filled with crisp boundaries, helping New Zealand cross the 200-run mark.
However, the lower order faltered as South Africa’s bowlers tightened their grip. From 195/4, the White Ferns lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs.
For the Proteas Women, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star with the ball, delivering a superb spell of 4 for 40 in 10 overs, exploiting the dry Indore surface perfectly. Her subtle variations in flight and pace troubled the New Zealand middle order throughout.
Ayabonga Khaka’s consistency and Marizanne Kapp’s control complemented Mlaba’s effort, while Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Player of the Match
For her commanding century and game-defining partnership with Luus, Brits was rightfully named Player of the Match. Her knock not only anchored South Africa’s chase but also demonstrated her evolution as one of the most reliable top-order batters in women’s cricket.
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Here’s how fans reacted
Class player Sune Luus.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba)
Tazmin Brits becomes the first women to score 5 ODI centuries in a calendar year
She is also the quickest to 7 ODI centuries
— Werner (@Werries_)
This innings should do Sune Luus a world of good! She’s been struggling for runs for quite some time now
— TheRugbyMac (@GreggMac11)
In 90% of their matches I see this
36y/o lady Sophie Devine carrying her team on her shoulders. Every other women are just failing horribly. Good that She atleast had the T20 WC in her hands recently. This WC is probably her last and her team is failing miserably!— Stan_77&_18💎 (@StanEnd2003)
A patient knock, a supportive knock, and a showcase of composure. 💫
A beautifully crafted half-century from Suné Luus. Well batted! 🇿��👏
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA)
The moment Tazmin Brits made it 4️⃣ hundreds in her last 5️⃣ ODIs 🤩
Watch LIVE in your region, broadcast details here ➡️
— ICC (@ICC)
Tazmin Brits – ‘Bow & Arrow Celebration’ – that’s the one 🤩👏🏽
— Rick Schroeder (@RickySchroeder9)
Fifty for Sune Luus 👏
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ)
It was looking incredibly ominous after the disastrous showing against England. It was giving end of a cycle vibes. But our women had other plans. Stoic character to bounce back in incredible fashion. Mlaba was excellent with ball and this is class from Brits and Luus
— Vuyo Mondi (@Thee_Amender)
Tazmin Brits transformation has been staggering.
In her first 19 innings: 360 runs, 19 average, strike rate 64, never crossed fifty.
Since then: 1165 runs in 22 innings, 58 average, strike rate 88, including 7 centuries.5 tons this year, with 4 in her last 5 innings!
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek)
Tazmin Brits bags player of the match award for her brilliant hundred 💯
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ)
Most ODI Hundred in a Calender year
Men – Sachin Tendulkar
9 hundred in 1998 in 33 inningsWomen – Tazmin Brits*
5 hundred in 2025 in 11 innings— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45)
South Africa's results against New Zealand in women's World Cups :-
Until 2017 : won 0 out of 5 matches
Since 2022 : won 2 out of 2 matches— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@_rhitankar_)
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
