South African Bowler Stuns New Zealand Opener in Thrilling Cricket Match

On October 6th, 2025, in a highly anticipated cricket match, South African bowler Marizanne Kapp delivered a stunning performance that sent shockwaves through the New Zealand team. Kapp, bowling from over the wicket, hurled the ball on a length, angling it in from wide of the crease and keeping the line around middle and leg. The delivery caught New Zealand opener Suzie Bates by surprise, as the ball seemed to remain lower than she had expected. Bates, playing in her 350th international appearance, tried to defend the ball into the leg side but missed, with the ball beating her inside edge and rapping her low on the front pad. The umpire raised her finger, and despite Bates' attempt to review the decision, the third umpire confirmed the dismissal, with the ball projected to hit the leg stump.

Bates' dismissal for a golden duck was a significant blow to New Zealand, who found themselves reeling at 0/1 in the early stages of the match. Kapp's brilliant seam presentation and the unexpected movement of the ball had proven too much for the experienced Bates, setting the stage for a thrilling contest between the two teams.

As the match progressed, all eyes would be on how New Zealand would respond to this early setback and whether South Africa could capitalize on their strong start.