Category Archives: worldcup

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine claims three-fer against Sri Lanka

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**Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine Claims Three-Fer Against Sri Lanka**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 14, 2025, 07:46 PM*

Veteran New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine delivered a standout bowling performance against Sri Lanka in Match 15 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Colombo.

Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 258/6 in their 50 overs, but Devine, who has been in solid form with the bat throughout the tournament, demonstrated her skill with the ball, picking up a three-wicket haul.

### Bowling Performance

Devine made her mark early in the bowling innings. She started in the 20th over and immediately made an impact by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne. In the 24th over, she broke a substantial 101-run partnership by claiming the wicket of Sri Lanka’s captain and top-scorer Chamari Athapaththu, who was on 53 runs.

Continuing her impressive spell, Devine took the wicket of Kavisha Dilhari in the 42nd over. Her third and final wicket came late in the innings during the 48th over when she dismissed Piumi Badalge.

### Match Stats and Career Milestones

Sophie Devine bowled a total of 9 overs, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 54 runs, conceding at a rate of 6 runs per over. This performance helped her reach a milestone of 110 wickets in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs).

In the current Women’s World Cup, Devine has taken 15 wickets across 29 matches at an average of 31.60. Overall, in her WODI career spanning 156 matches, she boasts 110 wickets at an average of 36.02.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Devine has been particularly effective against Sri Lanka, claiming 13 wickets in 11 encounters at an impressive average of 21.23.

Sophie Devine’s all-round prowess continues to be a crucial asset for New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup 2025, making her one of the standout performers of the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/world-cup-sophie-devine-shines-with-ball-against-sri-lanka/story

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ストイコビッチ監督が辞任　セルビア、サッカーW杯予選黒星

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ストイコビッチ監督が辞任　セルビア代表、サッカーW杯予選で黒星

サッカーセルビア代表のドラガン・ストイコビッチ監督（60）が、2025年10月11日に辞任を表明した。ロイター通信が報じている。

ストイコビッチ監督は、2026年ワールドカップ（W杯）北中米3カ国大会の欧州予選で、ホームでアルバニアに0―1で敗れたことを受け、この決断に至った。

なお、本記事は有料会員限定となっており、詳細は会員向けコンテンツで提供されている。

（2025年10月12日 17:45 更新）

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410518/

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

‘We’re much, much better than 69 all out’: Laura Wolvaardt

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 10:31 pm

**South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt Defends Team’s Performance in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener**

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has defended her team’s disappointing performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener against England. The match, played in Guwahati, saw South Africa bowled out for a mere 69 runs — their third-lowest total in women’s ODIs. The team suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat.

Wolvaardt attributed the poor showing to “one of those days where the top order and middle order failed on the same day.”

### Team Resilience: No Blame on the Pitch

Wolvaardt was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the pitch conditions contributed to the collapse.

“I think our prep has been good, I don’t think there were too many demons in the pitch,” she said after the match. “It was just one of those days where everyone went out early, and that happens in cricket sometimes. It was not a pitch that we were super foreign to. We spent a lot of time in these conditions in the last couple of months, so definitely wouldn’t put it on the wicket.”

### “We Are Much, Much Better Than 69 All Out”

Despite the crushing defeat, Wolvaardt remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“We are much, much better than 69 all out. As a group, we just need to put it behind us as quickly as we can and move forward, because if we’re going to take that into the next game, it’s going to be a very long tournament for us.”

### Preparation and Game Plan Against Left-Arm Spin

Ahead of the match, South Africa’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams closely monitored Wolvaardt’s preparation against left-arm spin. Net bowlers varied their angles, bowling from wide of the crease to challenge her footwork and shot selection.

However, despite these preparations, Wolvaardt was dismissed early — caught off a return catch in the second over by England’s Sophie Ecclestone. This early dismissal set the tone for South Africa’s innings as they lost four wickets within the first 31 balls.

### Middle Order Under Scrutiny

South Africa’s middle order, despite a strong ODI batting record since 2023, came under intense scrutiny following this match.

Wolvaardt, however, defended her middle order unit. “I don’t think that we have any trouble in our middle order at the moment,” she explained. “It’s just one of those days where both top order and middle order didn’t fire.”

### Looking Ahead: Upcoming Match Against New Zealand

South Africa will face New Zealand in their second World Cup match on October 6 in Indore. The team will be looking to bounce back strongly and prove their mettle on the international stage.

Despite the setback, Wolvaardt remains optimistic about her team’s potential. She is focused on moving forward and is eager for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/wolvaardt-says-her-side-is-better-than-69-all-out/story

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup: Stats

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**England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**

*Stats By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 pm*

England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, overwhelming South Africa by 10 wickets in a dominant performance. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs—their second-lowest total in World Cup ODI history.

### Bowling brilliance sets the tone

England’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as Linsey Smith delivered a standout performance, taking early wickets and restricting South Africa’s batting line-up. Smith struck in her first two overs, dismissing both openers. She trapped South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits each for 5 runs, with Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith. Lauren Bell also contributed with a crucial wicket, removing Sune Luus for 2.

Smith continued her onslaught by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 38 for 5 after the 10-over powerplay. Her final bowling figures of 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs dismantled the top order and ensured England retained full control.

### Spin attack seals the win

Despite a gritty 22 off 36 balls by wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta—the South African top scorer—the Proteas were unable to stabilize their innings. Jafta was eventually bowled by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over. Ecclestone finished with impressive figures of 2 for 19, also claiming Nadine de Klerk.

Charlie Dean wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets for 14 runs while Lauren Bell ended with 1 for 24, as South Africa crumbled for just 69 runs.

### England’s effortless chase

Chasing a mere 70 runs, England’s batters completed the job comfortably in just 14.1 overs. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, with Tammy Beaumont supporting with 21 not out off 35 balls. Their calm and steady partnership sealed a convincing 10-wicket victory and gave England a significant boost in net run rate ahead of their next game against Bangladesh, which is weather-dependent.

### Records and milestones

This victory marked England’s third 10-wicket win in ICC Women’s World Cup history and only their second such win over South Africa. The previous 10-wicket triumph against the Proteas was achieved by Australia in Bengaluru in 1997 with a target of 164 runs.

England’s 10-wicket World Cup wins include:

– vs India, Nelson, 1982 (target: 62)
– vs Ireland, Melbourne, 1988 (target: 110)
– vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2025 (target: 70)

On the other hand, South Africa’s total of 69 runs ranks as their third-lowest in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest team totals are:

– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009 WC
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 WC
– 75 vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2012
– 77 vs England, Cuttack, 2013 WC

England’s commanding win sends a strong statement in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this form in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story