Brits, Mlaba help South Africa get off the mark

A four-wicket haul from Nonkululeko Mlaba followed by a blistering century from opener Tazmin Brits and an unbeaten 83* from Sune Luus helped South Africa open their account in the 2025 Women's World Cup with a facile win over New Zealand on Monday (October 6) in Indore. Getting hammered in their opening game against England, South Africa managed to bounce back in style to heap pressure on the T20 World champions New Zealand who have now lost two in two.

Under pressure after getting bowled out for 69 just three days ago, South Africa started off in ideal fashion with Marizanne Kapp striking first ball to trap Suzie Bates leg-before-wicket. Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer bided their time and the dot ball pressure eventually got to the former as she was sent packing for a 42-ball 23. The onus was once again on Sophie Devine to revive her side as she got going with successive boundaries before repeating the feat in the very next over against Kapp.

Scoring a century in a losing cause against Australia in New Zealand's first game, Devine looked in great touch once again. After Plimmer's departure, Devine was aided by Brooke Halliday who walked out with intent to push the scoring rate. Her cameo of 45 that came off just 37 deliveries helped New Zealand big time as they were well set on 187/3 at one stage with 12 overs to spare.

With Devine also crossing fifty again, South Africa were under the pump, staring at a huge total. However, Mlaba completely turned the game around when she broke the threatening partnership. Devine was running out of partners once again as South Africa pegged New Zealand back further. 187/3 became 212/6 in no time and then Mlaba delivered the hammer blow by shattering Devine's stumps to send her packing for a well-compiled 85. The downward spiral continued as New Zealand were eventually bowled out for just 231 on a day where they could have easily made more.

Chasing 232, South Africa's openers combined to smack five boundaries in less than three overs before Laura Wolvaardt was trapped lbw. That was the only bit of success for New Zealand for a very long time as Brits and Luus then took charge of the chase. While Luus was happy to bide her time, Brits looked in fantastic touch. Coming into the tournament on the back of some excellent form, Brits sent the New Zealand bowlers on a leather hunt and continued to strike at over 100.

Brits' onslaught gave enough time for Luus to settle in and play second fiddle as New Zealand's hopes crumbled quickly. Luus took 77 balls to bring up her fifty but Brits took just 10 more to bring up three figures. While she did get dismissed immediately, the damage was done by then. New Zealand did strike a couple of more times but Luus continued to march ahead and finished the job for her side with more than 9 overs to spare. With renewed confidence, South Africa will next face hosts India whereas New Zealand will desperately be looking to open their account against Bangladesh.

Brief scores: New Zealand 231 in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 85, Brooke Halliday 45; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/40) lost to South Africa 234/4 in 40.5 overs (Tazmin Brits 101, Sune Luus 83*) by 6 wickets