LIVE: Brits departs after ton, SA near victory in CWC25 clash

Sune Luus and Tasmin Brits put on a solid 100-run partnership to push South Africa closer to victory in their chase of 232 in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 against New Zealand.

Lea Tahuhu ended Brits’ superb century of 101 off 89 balls, an innings that featured 15 fours and a 159-run partnership with Sune Luus, who also reached her half-century.

Earlier on, Jess Kerr gave New Zealand the perfect start by removing Laura Wolvaardt. Kerr produced a superb inswinger that struck Wolvaardt in front and after New Zealand reviewed the on field call, the decision was overturned, sending the South African skipper back to the pavilion.

In the first innings, Nonkululeko Mlaba shone with the ball as South Africa bowled out New Zealand. Having been 187/4 at one stage, New Zealand lost momentum as South Africa struck regularly at the death to restrict them below 250. Nonkululeko Mlaba (4/40) was the pick of the bowlers, claiming the crucial wicket of Devine (85), while Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon chipped in with a wicket each.

Mlaba also claimed the wicket of Brooke Halliday, who was caught and bowled that saw her 88-run stand with Sophie Devine to an end.

Sophie Devine had brought up her 17th ODI half-century, leading New Zealand’s recovery alongside Halliday, who offered solid support with a crucial knock.

The pair stitched together another valuable 50-run stand, helping rebuild the innings after NZ went down to three wickets. But after her dismissal, Devine found little support from the other end, with New Zealand losing wickets at regular intervals.

Earlier, Chloe Tryon struck in her very first over as South Africa dismissed Georgia Plimmer, breaking a crucial partnership with Sophie Devine. Introduced into the attack, the bowling change paid off immediately as Plimmer attempted to go down the ground but was caught at long on. She and Devine had guided the White Ferns past the 100-run mark, steadying the innings after Amelia Kerr’s dismissal for the second wicket.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa.

Both teams will be hoping to open their account after defeats in their opening games as they face off in a mouth-watering clash at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

The game also marks significant milestones for three stalwarts. Sophie Devine features in her 300th international match, Suzie Bates in her 350th and Marizanne Kapp becomes South Africa’s most-capped ODI player with 155 appearances.

The White Ferns were dealt a blow leading up to the game in the form of an injury, with Hannah Rowe replacing Flora Devonshire in their 15-member unit.

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