**Women’s World Cup: Nonkululeko Mlaba Claims Four-Wicket Haul Against New Zealand**
*By Rajdeep Saha | October 6, 2025 | 6:42 PM*
South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a match-winning performance in a crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter against New Zealand. The game, played in Indore, saw Mlaba produce an impressive spell of 4 wickets for 40 runs from her full quota of 10 overs.
Chasing a competitive total, New Zealand appeared well set at 187 for 3 in the 38th over, following an 86-run partnership. However, Mlaba struck breakthrough wickets that triggered a dramatic collapse. She dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup, ultimately bowling New Zealand out for 231.
Mlaba’s decisive spell began in the 39th over when she dismissed the well-set Brooke Halliday, who was on 45. The wicket came on the first ball with a well-executed slog sweep. Mlaba then continued her onslaught, picking up the wickets of Maddy Green in the 41st over, caught out after attempting a reverse sweep, followed by half-centurion Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu.
This four-wicket haul marked Mlaba’s second in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). With figures of 4/40, she has now taken 42 wickets in 39 WODIs, maintaining a bowling average of 34.85 and an economy rate of 4.80.
Specifically against New Zealand Women, Mlaba has been notably effective, claiming 9 wickets in just 4 matches at an average of 17.44 and an economy rate of 4.02.
Playing only her second match in the Women’s World Cup, Mlaba’s impactful bowling has given South Africa a significant boost as she opens her wicket tally in this prestigious tournament.
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