Alana King’s Record-Breaking 7-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to Top Finish in Women’s World Cup League Stage
Indore, October 25, 2025: Leg-spinner Alana King produced a breathtaking display of spin bowling mastery, claiming a historic seven-wicket haul to guide Australia to a resounding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in their final Women’s World Cup 2025 league match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The commanding win ensured that the defending champions finished the league stage at the top of the table and will face hosts India in the semifinals at Navi Mumbai on Thursday (October 22). Despite India’s final league game against Bangladesh on Sunday (October 26), they can climb no higher than fourth place.
Alana King’s Magical Spell in Indore
King’s remarkable spell of 7 wickets for just 18 runs in 7 overs, including two maidens, dismantled the South African batting order and etched her name in the record books. It marked not only her career-best figures but also the best bowling performance ever recorded by an Australian in Women’s ODIs — and the finest individual figures in Women’s World Cup history.
Her precision, flight, and sharp turn left South Africa’s top and middle order in tatters, restricting them to a mere 97 runs in 24 overs.
Australian Batters Seal the Victory with Ease
Chasing a modest target of 98, Australia faced a brief wobble when Phoebe Litchfield (5) and veteran Ellyse Perry (0) fell cheaply. But Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) steadied the innings with a fluent 76-run partnership, securing victory with 199 balls to spare and maintaining Australia’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
The Turning Points
South Africa began steadily with a 32-run opening stand between Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Tazmin Brits (6), but once King entered the attack, the contest turned one-sided.
Wolvaardt, who had looked imperious early on — smashing seven boundaries within the powerplay — fell to Megan Schutt, who found a much-needed breakthrough with King taking a stunning diving catch at short mid-wicket.
From there, it became “The Alana King Show.”
She removed Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, and Masabata Klaas, each dismissal a testament to her control and tactical nous.
Sinalo Jafta (29) provided brief resistance with a flurry of boundaries, but even her efforts ended when King’s leg-break crashed into the stumps, sealing South Africa’s collapse.
A Statement of Dominance
This performance solidifies Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, demonstrating both their bowling depth and mental fortitude heading into the knockout stages. The win also marked South Africa’s ninth consecutive loss to Australia in Women’s World Cup history, underscoring the gap between the two sides on the world stage.
Final Thoughts — The Trending People
Alana King’s record-breaking spell will be remembered as one of the greatest performances in Women’s World Cup history. Her combination of skill, control, and confidence has reaffirmed Australia’s status as the tournament’s most complete side. As the semifinals approach, all eyes now turn to their clash with India — a high-stakes encounter that promises to define the 2025 edition of the World Cup.