Australia’s leg-spin sensation Alana King produced a spell for the ages to fire the defending champions to a seven-wicket demolition of South Africa in their final league match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Indore on Saturday. Her record-breaking 7 for 18 — the best-ever figures in Women’s World Cup history — dismantled the Proteas for just 97 in 24 overs, before Australia chased down the target effortlessly in 16.5 overs to secure top spot in the standings.
A Masterclass in Spin Bowling
Introduced in the 12th over, King immediately turned the game in Australia’s favour, striking with her second delivery and never allowing South Africa to recover. Using flight, drift and sharp turn to deadly effect, she mesmerised the batters with variations that constantly kept the stumps in play.
“We expected the pitch to offer a bit of turn, so I just tried to make the most of it,” King said after the match. “Some deliveries gripped more than others, but it felt great to hit my rhythm today. I’m thrilled heading into the knockouts.”
Her spell was nothing short of theatrical — she did not concede a run in her first 15 balls and had already claimed four wickets within that period. South African batters appeared completely at sea, unable to read her leg-breaks or googlies.
King’s 7 for 18 not only marked her personal best in ODIs but also broke two long-standing records:
It surpassed Jackie Lord’s 6 for 10 for New Zealand against India in 1982 — the previous best in Women’s World Cup history.
It became the best-ever bowling performance by an Australian woman in ODIs.
| Record | Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best in Women’s World Cup | Alana King (AUS) | 7/18 | South Africa | 2025 |
| Previous Record | Jackie Lord (NZ) | 6/10 | India | 1982 |
| Best by Australian in Women’s ODIs | Alana King | 7/18 | South Africa | 2025 |
South Africa Collapse After Bright Start
The Proteas began aggressively, with Laura Wolvaardt smacking four boundaries in one over and racing to 31 off 26 balls. However, her dismissal — brilliantly caught by King herself, diving forward at short mid-wicket — triggered a collapse from which South Africa never recovered.
From a promising 39 for 1, they stumbled to 97 all out, losing their last nine wickets for just 58 runs. Only two batters reached double figures as King’s precision and flight left them groping for answers.
“It was a decent wicket to bat on and credit to King — she bowled beautifully,” admitted South African captain Wolvaardt. “We just need to dust ourselves off and focus on what lies ahead.”
Australia Cruise to Victory
In reply, Australia’s top order wasted no time. Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney added a brisk 54 for the first wicket before both fell to seamer Ayabonga Khaka. From there, Ellyse Perry (32 not out) and Tahlia McGrath (24 not out) guided the side comfortably home in the 17th over.
The seven-time champions ended the group stage unbeaten, confirming their place at the top of the table and setting up a semi-final showdown with hosts India in Navi Mumbai.
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 97 all out | 24.0 | Alana King 7/18 |
| Australia | 98/3 | 16.5 | Won by 7 wickets |
Historic Achievement and Legacy
King’s achievement adds another golden chapter to Australia’s long and illustrious cricketing legacy. The leg-spinner joins the ranks of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill as Australian spinners who have produced match-defining spells in World Cup competitions.
Her figures are also reminiscent of Glenn McGrath’s 7 for 15 against Namibia in the 2003 Men’s World Cup, underlining the dominance of Australian bowlers across generations and formats.
Former Australian captain Meg Lanning, now serving as a mentor, described the performance as “vintage Australian cricket — ruthless, disciplined, and commanding.”
“King was outstanding. She reminds me of the greats — her ability to attack with spin is rare in the modern game,” Lanning commented.
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
With Australia’s emphatic win, the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final fixtures are now confirmed.
| Fixture | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Australia vs India | Navi Mumbai | 30 October 2025 |
| South Africa vs England | Guwahati | 31 October 2025 |
Sunday’s double-header — England vs New Zealand and India vs Bangladesh — will now serve as dead rubbers, as the top four teams have already booked their places in the knockout stage.
A New Benchmark in Women’s Cricket
Alana King’s record-breaking spell not only etched her name into the history books but also served as a reminder of Australia’s unparalleled consistency in world cricket.
For King, the achievement represents both personal triumph and collective dominance — a perfect blend of skill and strategy that defines the modern Australian women’s team.
As the World Cup heads into its knockout phase, one thing is clear: Australia remain the team to beat, and Alana King’s spin could well be their secret weapon in their pursuit of yet another world title.