Women's World Cup: Alana's King-sized 7-fer hands Australia resounding seven-wicket win over SA, wrap up 98-run chase in 16.5 overs

Alana King ran riot with the ball and notched a sizzling 7-fer to power Australia to a commanding seven-wicket win over South Africa in their last league match of the Women's World Cup 2025 in Indore on October 25.

Alana King burns bright with sizzling 7-fer as Australia crush South Africa

Alana King produced the best bowling figures in Women's World Cup history as Australia's win set up a semi-final meeting with India. The leg-spinner claimed a historic 7/18 from her seven overs, causing South Africa to collapse from 32-0 to 97 all out in just 24 overs as only three Proteas batters managed to reach double digits, Laura Wolvaardt (31), Sinalo Jafta (29), and Nadine de Klerk (14). This is the second time in the ongoing World Cup that South Africa has been dismissed for a total below 100. In an earlier match against the England women's team, they suffered an even heavier defeat, being bundled out for a mere 69 runs in 20.4 overs and losing the contest by ten wickets. Australia then chased down the total with ease, finishing the match with 199 balls to spare, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

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Alana King's historic seven-wicket haul

King's spell was one for the record books, as she became the first woman to take seven wickets in a Women's World Cup match, surpassing the previous best of 6-10 set by New Zealand's Jackie Lord against India in 1982. She is also only the sixth woman, and the third Australian, to take seven wickets in any women's ODI.

The victory in Indore secures Australia's position at the top of the table, having won all six of their completed group stage matches. They will now face fourth-place India in the semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30. South Africa is set to play England in the first semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday, October 29, although England could leapfrog them into second place with a victory over New Zealand on Sunday.

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South Africa's innings began brightly, with opener Laura Wolvaardt smacking seven boundaries in the first six overs. However, she was one of only three batters to reach double figures, eventually dismissed for 31 by Megan Schutt, with King taking the catch. Kim Garth trapped Tazmin Brits lbw, before King struck twice in five balls to leave South Africa reeling from 42-1 to 43-4. King took five of the remaining six wickets, condemning South Africa to their second total under 100 in the tournament, having been skittled for 69 by England in their opener.

In response, the defending champions briefly wobbled, slipping to 11-2 inside six overs. However, Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) came together to stabilize the innings and guide Australia to a routine victory.