Alana King’s Historic 7-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to Crushing Win over South Africa

Indore, Oct 2025: Defending champions Australia ended the group stage of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in commanding fashion, thrashing South Africa by seven wickets at Holkar Stadium. The star of the day was Alana King, whose sensational 7 for 18 decimated the South African batting line-up, helping Australia chase down 98 with ease in just 16.5 overs.

King’s performance was historic, marking the first seven-wicket haul in a Women’s World Cup and the best figures by an Australian in women’s ODIs. Across men’s and women’s 50-over World Cups, her figures are second only to Glenn McGrath’s 7 for 15 against Namibia in 2003. King bowled with immaculate control, taking four wickets in her first 15 balls without conceding a run, and hit the stumps four times in a mesmerising display of spin and flight. She finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in this edition of the tournament.

South Africa struggled from the outset despite a promising start from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who struck seven boundaries in her 31 off 26 balls. After the opening stand, South Africa collapsed spectacularly following Wolvaardt’s dismissal to Megan Schutt in the seventh over. From 42 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, they tumbled to 43 for 4 after King’s first over and eventually all out for 97 in just 24 overs. Only three South African batters managed double figures, highlighting their batting woes.

Australia’s chase began shakily with early losses – Phoebe Litchfield edged to slip and Ellyse Perry fell to a flying catch by Nadine de Klerk. However, Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney steadied the innings with a 76-run partnership off 65 balls. Mooney departed with 11 runs needed, but Voll finished unbeaten on 38 as Australia romped home comfortably, leaving 33 overs unused.

King’s dominance was complemented by smart fielding and support from the Australian attack. Ashleigh Gardner also contributed with the ball, taking the wicket of Ayabonga Khaka. South Africa’s attempt to counter-attack was thwarted at every stage, as King consistently outfoxed batters with her turn and variation.

Both teams had already secured semi-final spots, but this emphatic win reinforced Australia’s supremacy. Tahlia McGrath, deputising as captain for Alyssa Healy, said the team is “getting closer” to their peak form, a sentiment backed by their clinical display against South Africa.

With this result, the semi-final line-up is confirmed. South Africa will face England in the first semi-final at Guwahati on 29 October, while Australia will clash with hosts India in the second semi-final at Navi Mumbai on 30 October. The winners will meet in the final on 2 November.

Playing XI

Australia Women Team : Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia McGrath (c), Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney (wk), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt.

South Africa Women Team: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Masabata Klaas, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Australia’s seamless performance, led by King, highlighted the lethal combination of aggressive spin bowling and disciplined batting. As the tournament moves into the semi-finals, Australia will look to carry this momentum into their clash with India, while South Africa will regroup for a tough encounter with England

Team Maverick