South Africa Stuns England in Vitality Netball Nations Cup Thriller

Host nation England suffered their second consecutive defeat in the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, as South Africa edged them out in a closely contested encounter, securing a 61-59 victory in Nottingham.

The game remained finely balanced for much of the contest, with the two teams level at the end of each of the first three quarters. South Africa started brightly, but the Vitality Roses fought back to tie the opening quarter 14-14.

By the final quarter, the teams were still inseparable at 46-46, setting up a dramatic finish. However, South Africa found another gear in the last 15 minutes, pulling away decisively. England made a late surge in an attempt to claw back the deficit, but the visitors had already established a lead strong enough to see out the match.

The Vitality Netball Nations Cup action now shifts to the Copper Box Arena in London next weekend. South Africa will take on Malawi at 3 PM on February 8, followed by England facing Uganda at 5 PM in a crucial encounter.