Brits, Luus sets up emphatic South African win over Kiwis women in World cup

 

After a humiliating collapse in the first match—bowled out for just 69 runs and crushed by 10 wickets against England—South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround in the second encounter. Playing in Indore, the Proteas women dominated New Zealand to register a commanding victory, led by a record-breaking century from Tajmin Brits. Their fiery performance also sent a strong message to their next opponents—Harmanpreet Kaur’s India. Adding to the day’s highlights, Laura Wolvaardt’s breathtaking catch has already become a major talking point.

New Zealand’s Innings: Early Collapse Despite Divine Effort
Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first but got off to a disastrous start. Veteran Suzie Bates, playing her 350th international match, was dismissed off the very first ball. Georgia Plimmer (31) and Amelia Kerr (23) tried to steady the innings, but once Kerr departed, the pressure mounted again.

Captain Sophie Devine, appearing in her 300th match, played a counter-attacking knock to restore some balance. She built partnerships first with Plimmer and then with Brooke Halliday (45), looking set for a century before falling for 85. The lower order, however, failed to capitalize, and New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in 48.5 overs.

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs.

The Catch of the Tournament: Wolvaardt’s Aerial Marvel
One of the most sensational moments came in the 47th over. On the final ball of the over, bowled by Mlaba, Lea Tahuhu drove powerfully through the covers—only for Laura Wolvaardt to launch herself full-length to her right and pluck a one-handed stunner out of thin air. The effort left teammates and commentators awestruck, with many hailing it as the best catch of the World Cup so far.

South Africa’s Chase: Tajmin Brits Creates History
The chase didn’t start ideally, with Wolvaardt falling for 14. But then came the defining partnership—a 159-run stand between Tajmin Brits and Sune Luus that took the game away from New Zealand.

Brits was in majestic form, smashing 101 off just 89 balls, including 15 fours and a six. In doing so, she set a world record—becoming the first woman batter to score five centuries in a single calendar year, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s previous mark.

Even after a couple of late wickets, South Africa remained untroubled. Sune Luus anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 83 off 114 balls, guiding her team to a comfortable and memorable win.

With this emphatic triumph, South Africa announced their return to form in style, setting the stage for a high-voltage clash against India.