Yearly Archives: 2025

business, internet, judiciary, law, technology

Supreme Court denies Google’s appeal, upholds Play Store reform order

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**Supreme Court Denies Google’s Appeal, Upholds Play Store Reform Order**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:30 AM*

—

**Overview**

The US Supreme Court has declined Google’s request to stay a lower court’s order that mandates significant changes to its Play Store. This decision comes as Google prepares to appeal a lawsuit ruling filed by Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite.

—

**Injunction Details**

The injunction was issued last year by US District Judge James Donato. It requires Google to allow users to download rival app stores within the Play Store and make Play Store’s app catalog available to competitors. However, these changes will not take effect until July 2026.

Additionally, the judge ruled that Google must permit developers to include external links in their apps. This would enable users to bypass Google’s billing system.

—

**Background of the Legal Battle**

Epic Games filed the lawsuit against Google in 2020, accusing the tech giant of violating antitrust laws through its restrictive app store policies. Epic won a jury trial in San Francisco in 2023, and the July ruling was subsequently upheld by a federal appeals court.

Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The company called Judge Donato’s order unprecedented, warning that implementing the changes could cause reputational harm, introduce safety and security risks, and potentially place Google at a competitive disadvantage.

—

**Google’s Appeal Strategy**

In its Supreme Court filing, Google highlighted that the mandated changes could impact over 100 million US Android users and 500,000 developers. The company intends to file a full appeal with the Supreme Court by October 27, which could lead the justices to take up the case during their current nine-month term.

—

**Epic Games’ Position**

Epic has accused Google of using “flawed security claims” as a pretext to maintain control over Android devices. The developer urges the Supreme Court to let Judge Donato’s injunction take effect, arguing that consumers and developers would benefit from increased competition, more choices, and lower prices.

—

**Appeals Court Ruling**

In July, a three-judge panel from the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction. The panel noted that Epic’s lawsuit was “replete with evidence that Google’s anticompetitive conduct entrenched its dominance” in the app store market.

—

**What’s Next?**

As the legal battle continues, industry observers are closely watching to see how the Supreme Court will handle Google’s full appeal later this month, which could dramatically reshape the Android app ecosystem.

—

*Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/supreme-court-rules-against-google-forcing-play-store-policy-overhauls/story

awards, business, entertainment, social media, technology

Instagram introduces ‘Ring’ award to honor top creators globally

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Instagram Introduces ‘Ring’ Award to Honor Top Creators Globally

By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:57 AM

What’s the story?
Instagram has announced a new awards program called the ‘Ring’, aimed at honoring top creators on its platform. The first batch of 25 winners will be announced next week.

This initiative is part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate those who drive cultural change and push boundaries through their creative work.

Judging Panel

The judging panel for the ‘Ring’ award features a distinguished lineup of personalities, including Instagram head Adam Mosseri, acclaimed director Spike Lee, renowned designer Marc Jacobs, popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath.

Each winner will receive a custom-designed gold ring created by English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with a digital golden ring displayed on their Instagram profile. Additionally, winners will have the exclusive opportunity to customize a unique “Like” button for their feed posts.

Strategic Shift Amid Payout Program Changes

The launch of the ‘Ring’ award comes as Meta has been scaling back its creator payout programs in recent years. Earlier this year, Meta discontinued a program that compensated creators for ads featured on their profiles.

In 2023, the company stopped paying bonuses to Reels creators on both Instagram and Facebook, and in 2022, it shut down its affiliate marketing bonuses. These moves signal a shift in how Meta supports creators financially.

Challenges Faced by Creators

Creators have faced a declining number of brand deals, with a reported 52% drop in 2024. According to Bank of America, along with fewer sponsored partnerships, competition is intensifying as more paid partnerships become concentrated among a smaller group of top creators.

Despite these challenges, Instagram remains committed to recognizing and celebrating its most creative users, and the ‘Ring’ award symbolizes this dedication.

The Vision Behind the ‘Ring’ Award

Instagram describes the ‘Ring’ award as a celebration of creativity — honoring those who aren’t afraid to take creative risks and forge their own paths. In a company blog post, Instagram said the award is “all about celebrating those who bring people together over their creativity, and deserve recognition.”

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/instagram-s-new-ring-award-will-honor-top-creators/story

business, internet, judiciary, law, technology

Supreme Court denies Google’s appeal, upholds Play Store reform order

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**Supreme Court Denies Google’s Appeal, Upholds Play Store Reform Order**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:30 AM*

—

**Overview**

The US Supreme Court has declined Google’s request to stay a lower court’s order mandating major changes to its Play Store. This decision comes as the tech giant prepares to further appeal a ruling in a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite. The original July ruling was upheld by a federal appeals court.

—

**Details of the Injunction**

The injunction, issued by US District Judge James Donato last year, requires Google to allow users to download rival app stores within its own Play Store ecosystem. Additionally, Google must make the Play Store’s app catalog available to competitors. However, these provisions are not set to take effect until July 2026.

Judge Donato also ruled that Google must permit developers to include external links in their apps. This change will allow users to bypass Google’s billing system, marking a significant shift in Google’s app store policies.

—

**Background of the Legal Battle**

Epic Games filed the lawsuit against Google in 2020, alleging that Google’s restrictive app store rules violated antitrust laws. The company won a jury trial in San Francisco in 2023, a verdict that has since been upheld.

Google denies any wrongdoing. The company has described Judge Donato’s order as unprecedented, warning that it would cause reputational harm, pose safety and security risks, and place Google at a competitive disadvantage if implemented.

—

**Google’s Appeal Strategy**

In its Supreme Court filing, Google emphasized that the mandated changes would have profound implications for over 100 million US Android users and 500,000 developers. The company plans to submit a full appeal to the Supreme Court by October 27, potentially prompting the justices to take up the case during their current nine-month term.

—

**Epic Games’ Position**

Epic Games has accused Google of leveraging “flawed security claims” to justify its control over Android devices. The developer urges the Supreme Court to allow Judge Donato’s injunction to take effect so that consumers and developers can benefit from increased competition, more choices, and lower prices.

—

**Previous Court Rulings**

In July, a three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction. The panel noted that Epic’s lawsuit contained substantial evidence demonstrating how Google’s anticompetitive conduct entrenched its market dominance.

—

**Conclusion**

The Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the injunction marks a critical moment in the ongoing legal battle over the future of Google’s Play Store. With significant changes set to roll out by mid-2026, the case remains a key point of contention around competition and control in the mobile app market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/supreme-court-rules-against-google-forcing-play-store-policy-overhauls/story

awards, business, entertainment, social media, technology

Instagram introduces ‘Ring’ award to honor top creators globally

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**Instagram Introduces ‘Ring’ Award to Honor Top Creators Globally**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:57 AM*

—

Instagram has announced a new awards program called the **’Ring’**, aimed at honoring top creators on its platform. The first batch of 25 winners will be awarded next week. This initiative reflects Instagram’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating individuals who drive cultural change and push boundaries through their creative work.

### Judging Panel

The judging panel for the ‘Ring’ award features several notable personalities, including:
– Instagram Head **Adam Mosseri**
– Director **Spike Lee**
– Designer **Marc Jacobs**
– YouTuber **Marques Brownlee**
– Actress **Yara Shahidi**
– Makeup Artist **Pat McGrath**

Each winner will receive a custom-designed gold ring created by English fashion designer **Grace Wales Bonner**, along with a digital golden ring displayed on their Instagram profile. Winners will also have the opportunity to customize a unique “Like” button for their feed posts.

### Strategic Shift in Creator Programs

The launch of the ‘Ring’ award comes amid Meta’s recent scaling back of creator payout programs. Earlier this year, Meta discontinued a program that compensated creators for ads on their profiles. Additionally, in 2023, Meta stopped paying bonuses to Reels creators on Instagram and Facebook and shut down its affiliate marketing bonuses in 2022.

### Challenges Facing Creators

Creators have experienced a 52% drop in brand deals in 2024, reflecting a challenging landscape for monetization. Bank of America noted last year that alongside the decline in sponsored partnerships, competition is intensifying, with more paid partnerships concentrated among top creators.

Despite these challenges and shifts, Instagram remains committed to celebrating its most creative users through this symbolic new awards program.

### Vision Behind the ‘Ring’ Award

Instagram describes the ‘Ring’ award as a way to celebrate those who are unafraid to take creative risks and forge their own paths. In a company blog post, the award is said to be “all about celebrating those who bring people together over their creativity, and deserve recognition.”

—

With the introduction of the ‘Ring’ award, Instagram continues to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation within its creator community, even as monetization models evolve.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/instagram-s-new-ring-award-will-honor-top-creators/story

business, internet, judiciary, law, technology

Supreme Court denies Google’s appeal, upholds Play Store reform order

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**Supreme Court Denies Google’s Appeal, Upholds Play Store Reform Order**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:30 AM*

—

**Overview**

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined Google’s request to stay a lower court’s order that mandates significant changes to its Play Store. This decision comes as Google prepares to appeal a ruling in a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite. The injunction, originally issued in July and upheld by a federal appeals court, aims to address alleged antitrust violations by Google.

—

**Details of the Injunction**

The injunction was issued last year by U.S. District Judge James Donato. Under the order, Google is required to allow users to download rival app stores within its own Play Store. Additionally, Google must make its Play Store app catalog available to competitors.

However, these provisions are not set to take effect until July 2026. Judge Donato also ruled that Google must permit developers to include external links within apps, enabling users to bypass Google’s billing system.

—

**Background of the Legal Battle**

Epic Games filed the lawsuit against Google in 2020, accusing the tech giant of violating antitrust laws through its restrictive app store policies. Epic succeeded in a jury trial held in San Francisco in 2023.

Google, meanwhile, has denied any wrongdoing. The company described Judge Donato’s order as unprecedented and warned that it could cause reputational harm, pose safety and security risks, and place Google at a competitive disadvantage if enforced.

—

**Google’s Appeal Strategy**

In its Supreme Court filing, Google emphasized that the mandated changes would impact over 100 million U.S. Android users and 500,000 developers. The company plans to submit a full appeal to the Supreme Court by October 27. This could prompt the justices to consider taking up the case during their nine-month term, which began recently.

—

**Epic Games’ Response and Industry Impact**

Epic Games has accused Google of using “flawed security claims” as a pretext for maintaining strict control over Android devices. The company urges the Supreme Court to allow Judge Donato’s injunction to take effect, arguing that it would foster competition, increase consumer choice, and lower prices.

In July, a three-judge panel from the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction. The panel highlighted that Epic’s lawsuit presented substantial evidence that Google’s anticompetitive conduct has entrenched its dominance in the market.

—

**Conclusion**

The Supreme Court’s refusal to block Judge Donato’s order marks a significant development in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google. As the legal proceedings continue, the case could reshape the landscape of app distribution and billing on Android devices, potentially benefiting both developers and consumers through increased competition and choice.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/supreme-court-rules-against-google-forcing-play-store-policy-overhauls/story

awards, business, entertainment, social media, technology

Instagram introduces ‘Ring’ award to honor top creators globally

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**Instagram Introduces ‘Ring’ Award to Honor Top Creators Globally**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:57 AM*

Instagram has announced a new awards program called the **’Ring’**, designed to honor the top creators on its platform. The first batch of 25 winners will be announced next week. This initiative is part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate individuals who drive cultural change and push creative boundaries.

### Judging Panel

The judging panel for the ‘Ring’ award features a diverse group of notable personalities, including Instagram head **Adam Mosseri**, director **Spike Lee**, designer **Marc Jacobs**, YouTuber **Marques Brownlee**, actress **Yara Shahidi**, and makeup artist **Pat McGrath**.

Each winner will receive a custom-designed gold ring crafted by English fashion designer **Grace Wales Bonner**. In addition, winners will have a digital golden ring displayed on their Instagram profile and the opportunity to customize a unique “Like” button for their feed posts.

### A Strategic Shift Amid Changing Creator Programs

The launch of the ‘Ring’ award coincides with Meta’s recent scaling back of creator payout programs. Earlier this year, Meta discontinued compensation for creators via ads on their profiles. In 2023, it also ended bonuses for Reels creators on both Instagram and Facebook, and affiliate marketing bonuses were shut down in 2022.

### Challenges for Creators

Creator earnings have been challenged recently, with a significant 52% drop in brand deals reported in 2024. Bank of America highlighted last year that, alongside a decline in sponsored partnerships, competition has intensified as more paid collaborations become concentrated among top-tier creators.

Despite these challenges, Instagram remains committed to celebrating its most creative users through this symbolic new award.

### Celebrating Creativity and Risk-Taking

Instagram describes the ‘Ring’ award as a celebration of those who are unafraid to take creative risks and forge their own paths. According to a company blog post, the award is “all about celebrating those who bring people together over their creativity, and deserve recognition.”

As Instagram continues to evolve, the ‘Ring’ award represents a fresh, meaningful way to acknowledge the platform’s cultural pioneers and their impact on the creative landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/instagram-s-new-ring-award-will-honor-top-creators/story

business, economy, international, politics, war

Trump says his intervention was ‘very effective’ in India-Pakistan conflict

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US President Donald Trump on Monday described his use of tariffs as a measure to stop wars, calling them a vital tool for peacekeeping. He further asserted that his communication with India and Pakistan during their recent conflict was “very effective,” claiming his actions helped end the battle between the nuclear-armed neighbors through trade.

“Tariffs are very important for the United States. We are a peacekeeper because of tariffs. Not only do we make hundreds of billions of dollars, but we’re a peacekeeper because of tariffs,” Trump said during an Oval Office interview, according to reports by news agency PTI.

The US President emphasized that without the “power of tariffs,” multiple wars would still be ongoing. “I use tariffs to stop wars. If you look at India and Pakistan, they were ready to go at it. Seven planes were shot down. They were ready to go at it. And they are nuclear powers. And I don’t want to say exactly what I said, but what I said was very effective. They stopped. And that was based on tariffs. It was based on trade,” he added.

India, however, has consistently denied any third-party intervention in the conflict. The tensions escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

Following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict. India has maintained that this cessation of hostilities resulted from direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also made it clear in Parliament that no foreign leader requested India to halt Operation Sindoor.

President Trump has claimed multiple times that he ended seven wars during the second term of his administration, including conflicts involving India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Since May 10, when Trump announced via social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeatedly stated that he “helped settle” the conflict between the two countries.

Trump added that out of the seven wars he ended, at least half were due to his “ability at trade and because of tariffs.” “If I didn’t have tariffs to throw around a little bit, you would have at least four wars raging right now, with thousands of people a day being killed,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/what-i-said-was-very-effective-they-stopped-donald-trump-on-india-pakistan-conflict-23597574

american culture, celebrity, culture, entertainment

How Zooey Deschanel became America’s quirky cultural icon

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**How Zooey Deschanel Became America’s Quirky Cultural Icon**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 07, 2025, 10:21 AM*

Zooey Deschanel, a name synonymous with quirkiness and charm, has carved a unique niche for herself in the American cultural landscape. From her breakout role in *Almost Famous* to her iconic character in *New Girl*, Deschanel has become a household name. Her signature style and distinctive persona have made her an icon far beyond just acting.

### Early Start: Career Breakthrough

Deschanel’s career took off with a bang when she starred in the 2000 film *Almost Famous*. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the movie showcased her talent and charisma, earning her critical acclaim. This breakthrough role opened doors for Deschanel, establishing her as a promising actor in Hollywood.

### Television Success: Becoming an Icon

Deschanel’s television career soared with the premiere of *New Girl* in 2011. Playing the lead role of Jess Day, she brought to life a character both relatable and endearing. The series was a major hit, running for seven successful seasons and solidifying Deschanel’s status as a beloved television icon.

### Signature Style: Defining a Unique Persona

Known for her distinctive style, Deschanel masterfully blends vintage elements with modern flair. Her love for retro fashion has made her a trendsetter among fans who admire her bold and whimsical choices. From her trademark bangs to colorful, playful dresses, her look is instantly recognizable and widely celebrated.

### Cultural Impact: Beyond Acting

Beyond her acting career, Deschanel has left a significant mark on pop culture through her music and personal brand. As one half of the folk duo She & Him, she has released several albums praised by critics and fans alike. Additionally, her influence extends to social media, where she connects with millions of followers who appreciate her creativity, authenticity, and charming eccentricity.

Zooey Deschanel continues to inspire and entertain, embodying the quirky, creative spirit that has made her America’s favorite cultural icon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-zooey-deschanel-became-america-s-favorite-cultural-icon/story

business, development, science, technology

OpenAI enhances developer tools with GPT-5 Pro and Sora models

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**OpenAI Enhances Developer Tools with GPT-5 Pro and Sora Models**

*By Mudit Dube | October 7, 2025, 10:50 AM*

—

**What’s the Story?**

At its recent Dev Day event, OpenAI unveiled a series of exciting API updates aimed at enriching its developer ecosystem. The major highlights include the launch of GPT-5 Pro, the company’s latest advanced language model, and Sora 2, an innovative video and audio generation model. Alongside these, OpenAI introduced an agent-building tool and the ability to integrate third-party applications directly within ChatGPT.

—

**GPT-5 Pro: Targeting Finance, Legal, and Healthcare**

GPT-5 Pro is designed with high accuracy and deep reasoning capabilities, making it particularly suited for industries such as finance, legal, and healthcare. These sectors demand precision and complex problem-solving, attributes OpenAI emphasized during the announcement. CEO Sam Altman highlighted that voice interaction is quickly becoming a primary mode of AI communication, underlining the significance of enhancing voice capabilities within these new models.

—

**Introducing ‘gpt-realtime mini’: Low-Latency Streaming for Voice**

To meet the increasing demand for responsive voice AI, OpenAI launched “gpt-realtime mini,” a smaller and more cost-effective version of its advanced voice model. This model offers low-latency streaming interactions for audio and speech at 70% less cost, while maintaining the same voice quality and expressiveness. This makes it ideal for applications requiring real-time, natural voice responses.

—

**Sora 2: Next-Level AI-Generated Audio and Video**

OpenAI also rolled out Sora 2, the latest iteration of its audio and video generation model. Released alongside the Sora app—a TikTok-like platform featuring short AI-generated videos—Sora 2 delivers more realistic and physically consistent scenes with synchronized sound. It enhances creative control, allowing developers to craft rich audio-visual experiences with ambient sounds, soundscapes, and synchronized effects tightly integrated with visuals.

—

**Empowering Developers with Sora 2 API Access**

One of the key advancements is that developers can now access Sora 2’s powerful capabilities directly through the API. This means the same technology powering stunning video outputs on the Sora app is available for use in third-party applications. According to Altman, the model excels at pairing sound with visuals, going beyond speech to encompass immersive audio environments perfectly aligned with on-screen action.

—

With these updates, OpenAI continues to strengthen its developer offerings, pushing the boundaries of AI-driven communication, creativity, and interactivity across multiple industries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/openai-introduces-gpt-5-pro-and-sora-2-in-api/story

cricket, international, sports, world cup

Century stands for South Africa vs New Zealand in WODIs

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**Next Article: Century Stands for South Africa vs New Zealand in WODIs**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 07, 2025, 11:22 AM*

—

Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus led South Africa Women to a comfortable six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The match was played at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Brits scored a brilliant century, smashing 101 runs off 98 balls, while Luus remained unbeaten with 83 runs off 114 balls. The duo stitched together a match-winning second-wicket partnership of 159 runs.

Here, we decode the century stands by South African pairs against New Zealand in WODI history.

—

### #1 Lizelle Lee & Laura Wolvaardt – 163 runs in Auckland, 2020
Chasing a target of 260 in the 2020 Auckland encounter, South Africa got off to a flying start with openers Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt adding a brilliant 163 runs for the opening wicket. This remains South Africa’s highest WODI partnership against New Zealand for any wicket.

The partnership was finally broken when Lee was agonizingly dismissed for a run-a-ball 99. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 91 off 124 balls as South Africa won by seven wickets.

—

### #2 Tazmin Brits & Sune Luus – 159 runs in Indore, 2025
Brits and Luus’s 159-run stand in the recent Indore game ranks second on this list. Chasing 232, South Africa lost opener and captain Laura Wolvaardt with just 26 runs on the board. Luus then joined Brits, and from there it was one-way traffic.

The New Zealand bowlers had no answers to Brits’ onslaught as she scored a fiery 101 off 98 balls. Luus remained unbeaten on 83 off 114 balls, guiding South Africa to a six-wicket victory.

—

### #3 Nadine de Klerk & Chloe Tryon – 124 runs in Potchefstroom, 2023
In the 2023 Potchefstroom match, chasing 236, South Africa found themselves struggling at 111/5. Nadine de Klerk joined Chloe Tryon in the middle, and together the duo put together a valiant 124-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Tryon played aggressively, smashing a sensational 71 runs off 58 balls before being dismissed. De Klerk remained unbeaten on 58 runs off 77 balls as the Proteas secured a four-wicket win.

—

### #4 Marizanne Kapp & Laura Wolvaardt – 116* runs in Pietermaritzburg, 2023
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp starred in South Africa’s win over New Zealand in the 2023 Pietermaritzburg WODI. Chasing 234, South Africa were at 141/3 when Kapp joined the well-set Wolvaardt.

The pair did not suffer any further casualties, recording an unbeaten 116-run partnership to take the hosts to victory. Wolvaardt impressed with a stunning 124 runs off 141 balls, while Kapp contributed a solid 45 off 49 balls.

—

These century stands highlight some of the most memorable batting partnerships between South Africa and New Zealand in Women’s ODIs, showcasing the strength and resilience of South African women’s cricket over the years.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/100-plus-stands-vs-sa-w-vs-nz-w-in-odis-any-wicket/story