Visakhapatnam: In a game that had it all – excitement, collapse, resilience and fireworks – South Africa achieved a remarkable three-wicket win over hosts India at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 thanks to an astonishing unbeaten 84 from Nadine de Klerk.
When the proteas in Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam Chasing 252 points for victory, they faced defeat early on. Reduced to 81 for 5 within 20 overs, it looked almost over. But de Klerk, displaying nerves of steel, turned the game on its head with a blistering 54-ball knock that also included five massive sixes. Supported by captain Laura Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49), de Klerk led her team home with seven balls to spare and kept South Africa’s World Cup campaign alive.
Ghosh shone as India posted a competitive total
After a late start, South Africa opted to bowl first – a decision that initially seemed risky as India’s openers got off to a steady start. However, when Masabata Klaas went on the attack, the dynamic changed. Smriti Mandhana (23) fell early, followed by Harleen Deol, undone by a beauty from Klaas that spun sharply.
From then on the wickets started falling. Pratika Rawal (37) and Jemimah Rodrigues fell in quick succession while captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal left India reeling at 92 for four. The Proteas’ bowlers, particularly Tryon and Kapp, applied relentless pressure, triggering a mini-collapse in which India lost four wickets for just 19 runs.
But just when the innings was about to get completely out of hand, young Richa Ghosh made a spectacular appearance. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for her aggressive stroke-play, played a mature but powerful shot. She steadied the innings and then plunged into the action with a 75-yard six that reignited the Indians’ hopes. Alongside Sneh Rana (33 off 24), Ghosh built a crucial 88-run stand that saved India from the brink.
Their innings of 94 from just 77 balls, peppered with nine boundaries and two sixes, fell woefully short of their first hundred of the World Cup but ensured India reached a fighting total of 252 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
Tryon was the pick of the South African bowlers with 3 for 32, while Kapp (2 for 45) and Klaas (2 for 46) provided strong support.
South Africa stumbles at the start of the chase
The chase started badly for the guests. Tamzin Brits, who had just reached a century in her last game, was sent off for a duck and Sune Luus followed shortly after for just five. When the scoreboard read 18 for 2, India felt blood.
Wolvaardt, calm and composed as ever, began to rebuild alongside Kapp (20), but Sneh Rana’s sharp spin negated the latter and shortly afterwards Deepti Sharma caught and bowled Anneke Bosch away.
At 81 for 5, the writing seemed to be on the wall. But then de Klerk and Tryon began the counterattack.
The partnership that changed everything
Tryon, known for her big punches, relieved de Klerk with some clean punches on the ground. Together they added 92 runs and slowly changed the momentum. Tryon narrowly missed her half-century, falling to 49 due to Rana’s clever spin, leaving the equation tight – with 79 runs still needed with three wickets in hand.
But de Klerk was far from finished. Accompanied by Ayabonga Khaka, she began to unleash herself. In the 47th over, she hammered two consecutive sixes and a four off Kranti Gaud, effectively sealing the game. They scored their unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls – a display of controlled aggression and sheer confidence. She ended the chase in style, launching the winning six over long-ons, completing one of the great World Cup chases.
Reactions after the game: admiration and relief
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was full of praise for her teammate. “It was incredible. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it in my entire career. We were in a bind but Nadine produced something special. She hit the nets like that and it’s great to see it work out in a match,” she said.
Reflecting on the bowling performance, Wolvaardt added: “Richa batted incredibly well. We tried a long-range plan but she countered it perfectly. Restricting her to 250 was good, but going after it the way we did – that’s what makes champions.”
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the game got away from her team. “It was a tough call. Both teams fought hard but de Klerk’s innings made the difference. We lost wickets too early and couldn’t capitalize despite Richa’s brilliant knock,” she said. “We will use 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 at a loss for words. We did a lot right in this tournament and it feels great to finally cross the finish line,” she said. “I enjoy pressure situations. That’s my job – finishing games. To play in front of such passionate fans in India and get the win – that’s something special. We’re capable of beating anyone if we go deep.”
Result summary:
India: 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37; Chloe Tryon 3/32, Marizanne Kapp 2/45)
South Africans: 255/7 in 48.5 overs (Nadin the Cleck 84*, Laura Wolfards 70; Sneh Rana 2/47, Cranti Gaud 2/59)
Result: South Africa won by three wickets
Looking ahead
The result represents India’s first defeat of the tournament and shakes up the points table as South Africa remain firmly in the race for a place in the semi-finals. For India it is a wake-up call ahead of more difficult games.
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 leadership and kept her World Cup dreams alive with a fearless strike that lit up Visakhapatnam.
