CWC 2025 [WATCH]: Marizanne Kapp’s in-seaming delivery removes Suzie Bates for a golden duck during NZ-W vs SA-W clash

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 witnessed an intense clash between New Zealand Women and South Africa Women at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on October 6, 2025. Both teams, eager to bounce back after disappointing opening losses, approached this crucial 7th match with high stakes. The venue, known for its flat decks, promised a competitive contest with expectations of high scoring. The match also marked a significant milestone for New Zealand’s veteran batter Suzie Bates, who was making her 350th international appearance, a testament to her illustrious career and contribution to women’s cricket.

Marizanne Kapp’s sharp in-seamer sends Suzie Bates back for a golden duck

The South African pace spearhead Marizanne Kapp delivered a stunning early breakthrough for her team with a perfectly executed in-seaming delivery that dismissed Bates for a golden duck. As the first ball of the innings bowled by Kapp approached, Bates shuffled across the crease to play it but missed, failing to connect with her bat. The ball struck her on the front pad, just below the knee roll, angling in from wide of the crease and maintaining a line around middle and leg stump. The on-field umpire adjudged Bates out lbw, a decision Bates dared to challenge with a review.

The third umpire’s Ball Tracking technology confirmed the verdict with the ball hitting the leg stump as Bates fell for a duck in her landmark 350th international game. It was a tough moment for the seasoned black caps opener who had already faced a golden duck earlier in the tournament and was looking to contribute significantly in this important fixture. Kapp’s bowling displayed clinical precision and timing, unsettling one of New Zealand’s most dependable batters immediately, leaving the White Ferns struggling at 0/1 very early in the match.

Here’s the video:

Dream start for South Africa! 🔥

Marizanne Kapp makes an instant impact. Suzie Bates is gone!

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/UaXsqrDnrA#CWC25 👉 NZ 🆚 SA | LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/6cWC1BwnKh

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 6, 2025

Bates celebrates milestone 350th international games

Bates, a legendary figure in New Zealand Women’s cricket, has showcased remarkable longevity and consistency, culminating in her 350th international appearance during this match. As one of the highest run-scorers in women’s ODI history, Bates’ career has been decorated with numerous accolades and memorable performances. Prior to this game, she expressed immense pride and emotion about reaching such a significant milestone alongside teammate Sophie Devine, who herself was celebrating her 300th international game.

Despite the early setback, Bates’ journey through women’s cricket stands as an inspiring story of dedication and resilience. Her presence in the team is invaluable, both as a top-order batter and a mentor to younger players. Bates had hoped to mark her 350th game with a standout innings, but cricket, as always, remains unpredictable. Nevertheless, her impact on the game extends far beyond individual scores, symbolizing the growth and evolution of women’s cricket globally.

In this pivotal clash at Indore, the early wicket provided South Africa Women with a moment of momentum, showcasing Kapp’s ability to swing the ball and strike decisively. For New Zealand, the challenge remains to regroup quickly and build a competitive total as they seek their first win of the World Cup 2025. The match continues to hold immense significance for both sides aspiring to advance further in the tournament.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.