New Zealand vs South Africa: The New Zealand women’s team will face South Africa women in the ODI World Cup 2025 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, today, October 6. The White Ferns have historically had the upper hand over the Proteas Women, winning 12 of their 20 ODI encounters, while South Africa has claimed eight. In World Cup meetings, New Zealand has triumphed in three of the four games played.
The White Ferns showed early promise in their opening game before Australia, led by Ashleigh Gardner, staged a remarkable comeback to seal victory. Despite the loss, New Zealand will take confidence from the fight they showed throughout the match.
Captain Sophie Devine and Maddy Green will again be key with the bat, while youngster Georgia Plimmer will look to make an impact. The Kerr sisters, Amelia and Jess, have been leading the charge with the ball and will be crucial if New Zealand are to turn things around in Indore.
New Zealand and South Africa: SA aim for a strong response
It was a rough start for South Africa, who were bowled out for just 69 runs in their opening game against England, suffering a ten-wicket defeat. The Proteas will be eager to put that behind them and come out firing against New Zealand.
Tazmin Brits will look to bounce back and anchor the innings, while Annerie Dercksen could be brought in to strengthen the middle order after her recent form. With the ball, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has been the standout performer and will once again be central to South Africa’s plans.
New Zealand and South Africa: Head-to-head-stats
New Zealand – 1 win
South Africa – 4 wins
While South Africa has dominated recent meetings, New Zealand can draw encouragement from their win in the most recent ODI between the two sides.
New Zealand and South Africa: Weather and pitch report
The Indore weather is expected to have partly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 28-29°C with humidity near 61%.
The Holkar Stadium is known for its flat, black-soil surface that provides true bounce and minimal seam movement, making it a dream for batters. Teams batting first will aim to post a big total as the pitch tends to remain consistent throughout the game. Spinners could find some turn later, but pacers might have to rely on variations and swing to be effective. Expect a high-scoring contest.
New Zealand and South Africa: Full squads
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Sune Luus, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso.