Indore, October 25, 2025 – Australia Women continued their dominant run at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WCWC) 2025, defeating South Africa by seven wickets to secure the top spot in the group stage. The Aussies will now face India in the semifinal on October 30, while South Africa will take on England on October 29.
Australian leg-spinner Alana King produced a record-breaking spell, claiming 7 wickets for just 18 runs in 7 overs as South Africa were bundled out for 97 in 24 overs. King became the first-ever bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in a Women’s World Cup match, dismantling the middle and lower order with precision. Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Sinalo Jafta (29) were the only batters to offer some resistance.
Australia’s chase began shakily when Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas removed Phoebe Litchfield (5) and Ellyse Perry (0) early on. However, Beth Mooney (42 off 41) and Georgia Voll (33 not out) built a steady partnership that sealed victory comfortably. Annabel Sutherland chipped in with a quick 10 off 4 as Australia crossed the line with ease, winning by seven wickets.
After the match, Tahlia McGrath, the Australian captain, praised Alana King’s brilliance, calling her “unstoppable with the ball.” McGrath highlighted the team’s calm response to Wolvaardt’s early aggression and credited the pacers for adapting their plans effectively. She also lauded the positive batting intent shown by Mooney and Voll.
Player of the Match Alana King said she was thrilled with her performance, explaining that the damp conditions helped her deliveries skid. “I just focused on controlling what I could — the quality of my balls — and sticking to my plan,” she said, adding that she enjoys any role that contributes to the team’s success.
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted her team fell short but remained optimistic. “We didn’t finish the group stage the way we wanted, but we’ll focus on the positives,” she said. Wolvaardt praised King’s exceptional bowling and expressed confidence ahead of their semifinal clash with England, calling their earlier loss to them “a valuable learning experience.”
With this result, Australia cemented their status as tournament favorites and set up an exciting semifinal lineup as WCWC 2025 heads into its knockout stage.