Visakhapatnam, India – 9 October 2025
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup so far, South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk produced a career-defining performance, blasting an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls to lead the Proteas Women to a thrilling three-wicket victory over hosts India in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
The result marked South Africa’s second successive win of the tournament — and one that will be remembered for years as a show of grit, belief, and power hitting under immense pressure.
A chase for the ages
Set a target of 252 after bowling India out in the final over, South Africa looked dead and buried at 142/6 in the 36th over. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s composed 70 (111 balls) had kept the innings together, but when she was bowled by Kranti Gaud, India appeared to have sealed the contest.
Enter Nadine de Klerk. The all-rounder, known more for her tenacity than fireworks, launched a breathtaking counter-attack — hammering eight fours and five sixes — to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
She shared a crucial 69-run seventh-wicket stand with Chloe Tryon (49 off 66) that reignited South Africa’s hopes. When Tryon fell with 41 runs still needed, de Klerk took charge, hitting Gaud for back-to-back sixes and finishing the job in style with an over to spare.
“I’m lost for words. To finish off the game like that gives us so much confidence,” an elated de Klerk said after being named Player of the Match. “Playing India at home is never easy — but we showed what we’re capable of when we dig deep.”
India’s Richa Ghosh sparkles in vain
Earlier, Richa Ghosh had lit up the stadium with a blistering 94 off 77 balls (11 fours, 4 sixes), rescuing India from 102/6 after another collapse against South Africa’s spinners.
Ghosh shared vital partnerships with Amanjot Kaur (51-run stand) and Sneh Rana (88-run stand) to lift India to 251 all out in 49.5 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers were clinical early on — Chloe Tryon (3/32) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/46) applied the squeeze in the middle overs, while Marizanne Kapp (2/45) and de Klerk (2/52) ensured India never truly broke free.
Proteas resilience and rising belief
What made the victory remarkable was the Proteas’ recovery from 81/5 after 20 overs — a collapse that mirrored India’s earlier woes. But Wolvaardt’s patience, Tryon’s aggression, and de Klerk’s brilliance turned the tide.
Captain Wolvaardt hailed her teammate’s innings:
“She’s been hitting the ball like that in the nets for a while, but to see her do it in a World Cup match was incredibly special. It’s one of the best knocks I’ve ever witnessed.”
What it means
The win lifts South Africa to fourth place on the standings after three matches, level on points with India and England but with a slightly lower net run rate.
The Proteas’ next challenge is Bangladesh, at the same venue on Monday — a chance to solidify their semi-final hopes and build on the momentum from one of their greatest-ever World Cup chases.
India, meanwhile, remain third on the table and will face defending champions Australia in what is now a must-win clash on Sunday.
Score Summary
India 251 all out (49.5 overs)
Richa Ghosh 94 (77), Sneh Rana 33 (24); Tryon 3/32, Kapp 2/45, de Klerk 2/52
South Africa 252/7 (48.5 overs)
De Klerk 84* (54), Wolvaardt 70 (111), Tryon 49 (66); Gaud 2/59, Rana 2/47
South Africa won by 3 wickets
From heartbreak to hope
For a team that endured heartbreak against India in the 2022 World Cup, this victory represents redemption. The Proteas showed not only skill but the fighting spirit that continues to define South African cricket — a belief that no game is ever lost until the final ball is bowled.
“This was more than a win,” de Klerk said afterwards. “It was a statement of who we are as a team.”
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