Visakhapatnam: In a match that had everything – tension, collapse, resilience, and fireworks – South Africa pulled off a remarkable three-wicket victory over hosts India at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, thanks to an astonishing unbeaten 84 from Nadine de Klerk.
Chasing 252 for victory at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the Proteas found themselves staring at defeat early on. Reduced to 81 for 5 inside 20 overs, it looked all but over. But de Klerk, showing nerves of steel, turned the game on its head with a blistering 54-ball knock that included five towering sixes. Supported by captain Laura Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49), de Klerk guided her team home with seven balls to spare, keeping South Africa’s World Cup campaign alive.
Ghosh shines as India set a competitive total
After a delayed start, South Africa opted to bowl first – a decision that initially looked risky as India’s openers made a steady start. However, once Masabata Klaas entered the attack, momentum shifted. Smriti Mandhana (23) fell early, followed by Harleen Deol, undone by a beauty from Klaas that turned sharply.
From there, wickets began tumbling. Pratika Rawal (37) and Jemimah Rodrigues fell in quick succession, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal left India wobbling at 92 for four. The Proteas’ bowlers, especially Tryon and Kapp, applied relentless pressure, triggering a mini-collapse that saw India lose four wickets for just 19 runs.
But just as the innings looked set to unravel completely, young Richa Ghosh stepped up in spectacular fashion. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for her aggressive stroke play, played a mature yet powerful knock. She steadied the innings, then exploded into action – smashing a 75-metre six that reignited Indian hopes. Alongside Sneh Rana (33 off 24), Ghosh built a crucial 88-run stand that brought India back from the brink.
Her innings of 94 from just 77 balls, laced with nine boundaries and two sixes, fell agonisingly short of a maiden World Cup hundred but ensured India posted a fighting total of 252 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
Tryon was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3 for 32, while Kapp (2 for 45) and Klaas (2 for 46) offered strong support.
South Africa stumble early in chase
The chase started poorly for the visitors. Fresh from a century in her last match, Tamzin Brits was dismissed for a duck, and Sune Luus followed soon after for just five. With the scoreboard reading 18 for 2, India sensed blood.
Wolvaardt, calm and composed as ever, began rebuilding alongside Kapp (20), but Sneh Rana’s sharp turner undid the latter, and Deepti Sharma’s caught-and-bowled removed Anneke Bosch soon after.
At 81 for 5, the writing seemed on the wall. But that’s when de Klerk and Tryon began their counterattack.
The partnership that changed everything
Tryon, known for her big-hitting, took the pressure off de Klerk with some clean strikes down the ground. Together, they added 92 runs and slowly shifted the momentum. Tryon narrowly missed her half-century, falling for 49 to Rana’s clever spin, leaving the equation tight – 79 runs still needed with three wickets in hand.
But de Klerk was far from done. With Ayabonga Khaka for company, she began to unleash. In the 47th over, she hammered back-to-back sixes and a four off Kranti Gaud, effectively sealing the game. Her unbeaten 84 came off just 54 balls – a display of controlled aggression and pure confidence. She finished the chase in style, launching the winning six over long-on to complete one of the great World Cup run chases.
Post-match reactions: admiration and relief
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt was full of praise for her teammate. “It was incredible. I don’t think I’ve seen something like that all my career. We were in a pickle, but Nadine produced something special. She’s been hitting like that in the nets and it’s great to see it come off in a match,” she said.
Reflecting on the bowling effort, Wolvaardt added, “Richa batted incredibly well. We tried a wide plan, but she countered it perfectly. Restricting them to 250 was good, but chasing it down the way we did – that’s what champions are made of.”
India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted her side had let the game slip. “It was a tough one. Both teams fought hard, but de Klerk’s innings made the difference. We lost wickets too early and couldn’t capitalise despite Richa’s brilliant knock,” she said. “We’ll take the learnings. It’s a long tournament. The key is to stay positive.”
Player of the Match de Klerk was visibly emotional after the win. “I’m lost for words. We’ve been doing a lot right this tournament, and it feels amazing to finally cross the line,” she said. “I enjoy pressure situations. That’s my role – to finish games. Playing in India, in front of such passionate fans, and getting the win – it’s special. We’re capable of beating anyone when we take it deep.”
Score Summary:
India: 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37; Chloe Tryon 3/32, Marizanne Kapp 2/45)
South Africa: 255/7 in 48.5 overs (Nadine de Klerk 84*, Laura Wolvaardt 70; Sneh Rana 2/47, Kranti Gaud 2/59)
Result: South Africa won by three wickets
Looking ahead
The result marks India’s first defeat of the tournament, shaking up the points table, while South Africa stay firmly in contention for a semi-final berth. For India, it’s a wake-up call ahead of tougher fixtures.
For South Africa, however, this victory will be remembered as one of their finest World Cup moments – a night when Nadine de Klerk rose from crisis to command, keeping their World Cup dreams alive with a fearless knock that lit up Visakhapatnam.
