Batting first, New Zealand were dealt an early blow after Suzie Bates, playing her 350th international match, was out for a first-ball duck. The top-order batters, Georgia Plimmer (31), Amelia Kerr (23) and Brooke Halliday (45), all got starts but were unable to stay long enough with skipper Sophie Devine (85), getting bowled out for 231. For South Africa, spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star, picking up 4-40, as the team eyed a strong comeback following the horrors of their opening game.

South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt for 14, but Tazmin Brits (101) and Sune Luus (81*) batted with caution, taking the team closer to the target. Brits fell soon after bringing up her record fifth hundred of 2025, which triggered a mini collapse - they went from being 185-1 to 213-4 - but Luus’ unbeaten innings guided the team over the finish line in 40.5 overs. It was also the highest chase against New Zealand in the Women's World Cup.

Women’s World Cup 2025: Updated points table after SA vs NZ

New Zealand are yet to win a game in the World Cup, having already lost to Australia in their opening game. South Africa, on the other hand, registered their first win of the competition, but their massive defeat against England in their last game still sees them with a negative Net Run Rate.

New Zealand’s next game in the World Cup is against Bangladesh at Guwahati on October 10, while South Africa will face India at Vizag on October 9.

Teams Mat Won Lost NR Pts NRR
India 2 2 0 0 4 +1.515
Australia 2 1 0 1 3 +1.780
England 1 1 0 0 2 +3.773
Bangladesh 1 1 0 0 2 +1.623
South Africa 2 1 1 0 2 -1.424
Sri Lanka 2 0 1 1 1 -1.255
New Zealand 2 0 2 0 0 -1.463
Pakistan 2 0 2 0 0 -1.777

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