Visakhapatnam, India – 13 October 2025
South Africa’s women made it three wins in a row at the ICC Women’s World Cup with another tense, last-over finish — once again guided home by the cool head of Nadine de Klerk, who sealed victory with a six off a full toss to down Bangladesh by three wickets in Visakhapatnam on Monday night.
Just like their previous nail-biter against India, South Africa were pushed to the final moments before de Klerk’s composure and power ensured the Proteas edged home in dramatic fashion, chasing down Bangladesh’s 232 with three balls to spare.
Bangladesh’s Strong Finish Sets Up a Contest
Bangladesh produced their best batting display of the tournament, led by a sparkling 51 not out from teenager Shorna Akter, who blasted three sixes and reached her fifty off just 34 balls — the fastest by a Bangladeshi woman in ODIs. Her explosive late partnership with Ritu Moni (19* off 8) lifted Bangladesh from 164/4 to a competitive 232/6 after a measured start.
Earlier, Sharmin Akhter’s composed 50 anchored the innings, while skipper Nigar Sultana added a fluent 32. South Africa’s bowlers were disciplined through the middle overs — Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/42) and Chloé Tryon (1/41) applying the squeeze — but Bangladesh’s lower-order acceleration caught them off guard as 57 runs came in the final five overs.
Wolvaardt and Kapp Steady the Ship
The Proteas’ chase began nervously when Tazmin Brits fell for a duck, but skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Anneke Bosch (28) rebuilt steadily before quick wickets left South Africa wobbling at 64/4.
Enter Marizanne Kapp and player of the match Chloé Tryon, who combined to rescue the innings with a 99-run stand that shifted momentum back South Africa’s way. Kapp’s trademark calm under pressure saw her notch 56 from 71 balls, while Tryon played with controlled aggression, smashing 62 off 69 with six fours and a towering six.
Bangladesh’s spinners — particularly Nahida Akter (2/44) and Ritu Moni (1/29) — kept things tight, but South Africa’s depth proved crucial as de Klerk, coming in at No. 8, once again finished the job.
De Klerk: The Clutch Finisher
With 35 required off the final 24 balls and the game finely balanced, de Klerk took charge. She timed her chase to perfection, rotating the strike with Masabata Klaas (10*) and dispatching the bad balls with authority.
As tension mounted, de Klerk held her nerve — just as she did in South Africa’s previous thriller against India — striking an unbeaten 37 off 29 deliveries at a strike rate of 127, capped by a match-winning six that sent the Proteas camp into jubilation.
Momentum Building Ahead of the Run-In
The win lifts South Africa to third place on the World Cup table with three matches remaining — against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and defending champions Australia. With four games played and three victories secured, the Proteas are well placed in the race for the semi-finals.
It was a repeat of recent trends: resilient lower-order contributions, grit under pressure, and the growing belief that this South African side can win from almost any position. Player of the Match honours went to Chloé Tryon, whose innings gave South Africa the breathing room they needed before de Klerk’s finishing act.
Score Summary
Bangladesh Women: 232/6 (50 overs)
Shorna Akter 51* (35), Sharmin Akhter 50 (77), Nigar Sultana 32 (42)
Mlaba 2/42, Tryon 1/41, de Klerk 1/39
South Africa Women: 235/7 (49.3 overs)
Kapp 56 (71), Tryon 62 (69), de Klerk 37* (29)
Nahida Akter 2/44, Ritu Moni 1/29
Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Chloé Tryon (South Africa)
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