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Sri Lanka, Oct. 27 — Alana King achieved the best performance in the history of the Women’s World Cup as Australia defeated South Africa by seven wickets in Indore, advancing to a semi-final clash against India.

Alana, the leg-spinner, took 7-18 in seven overs as South Africa fell from 32-0 to 97 all out in 24 overs, with Australia finishing their target with 199 balls remaining without much difficulty.

King became the sixth woman and third Australian to claim seven wickets in a women’s ODI, with her achievement being the first such feat at a Women’s World Cup, breaking New Zealand bowler Jackie Lord’s previous record of 6-10 against India in 1982.

Australia’s win in Indore places them at the top of the standings, having triumphed in all six of their group stage matches. This result means they will compete against fourth-placed India in Navi Mumbai on October 30.

South Africa will face England, who have the chance to overtake them and take second position with a win against New Zealand on Sunday, in the first semi-final taking place in Guwahati on October 29.

Opening batter Laura Wolvaardt was among just three South African batsmen to score in double digits, hitting seven boundaries in the first six overs to give her team a strong beginning before being dismissed for 31 by Megan Schutt, with King taking the catch at mid-wicket.

Kim Garth dismissed Tazmin Brits lbw in the final over of the powerplay, and then King took two wickets in five balls as South Africa’s innings tumbled from 42-1 to 43-4.

King claimed five of the six remaining wickets – Ash Gardner dismissed Masabata Klaas – as South Africa were all out for less than 100 for the second time in the competition, having previously been dismissed for 69 by semi-final rivals England in their opening match.

The reigning champions faced a brief setback during their pursuit, falling to 11-2 within six overs, but Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) joined forces to lead them to an easy victory.

Top bowling performance in a Women’s World Cup: Alana King (Australia) – 7-18 against South Africa (2025), Jackie Lord (New Zealand) – 6-10 against India (1982), Glenys Page (New Zealand) – 6-20 against Trinidad & Tobago (1973), Sophie Ecclestone (England) – 6-36 against South Africa (2022), Anya Shrubsole (England) – 6-46 against India (2017)