**Women’s World Cup: Nonkululeko Mlaba Claims Four-Wicket Haul Against New Zealand**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 06, 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 at Indore.
Mlaba showcased her spin bowling prowess by taking 4 wickets for 40 runs from her full quota of 10 overs. New Zealand seemed to be cruising at 187/3 in the 38th over, buoyed by a strong 86-run partnership. However, Mlaba struck decisively to break the momentum and triggered a stunning collapse.
Coming back to bowl in the 39th over, Mlaba immediately dismissed the well-set Brooke Halliday, who had made 45 runs. The wicket fell on the very first ball of the over when Halliday mistimed a slog sweep.
Mlaba continued her dominance by picking up the wickets of Maddy Green and half-centurion Sophie Devine in quick succession. Green was undone by a reverse sweep, while Devine was dismissed soon after. She wrapped up her spell by claiming the wicket of Lea Tahuhu, leaving New Zealand bowled out for 231.
This four-wicket haul was Mlaba’s second such performance in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). With this effort, she has now amassed 42 wickets in 39 WODIs, maintaining an average of 34.85 and an economy rate of 4.80.
Specifically against New Zealand, Mlaba has been particularly effective, claiming 9 wickets in 4 matches at an impressive 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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