Stepping up to the plate: De Klerk, with the contest in the balance, swung it in South Africa’s favour.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
Visakhapatnam, October 9: A sensational unbeaten 84 from Nadine de Klerk powered South Africa Women to a stunning three-wicket win over India Women in a gripping ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a competitive 251, South Africa looked down and out several times before de Klerk’s fearless counterattack turned the match on its head. Her 54-ball knock, laced with precision and power, overshadowed a brilliant 76-ball 94 by India’s Richa Ghosh, who had earlier rescued the hosts from a top-order collapse.
Richa Ghosh leads India’s fightback
Opting to bat first after a brief rain delay, India suffered a familiar batting slump. Despite a solid start from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, both departed early, exposing India’s middle order once again to left-arm spin — a weakness ruthlessly exploited by Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
From 102 for six, Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana stitched together an 88-run stand that turned the innings around. Richa’s fiery strokeplay — a mix of clean lofted drives and bold sweeps — lifted India to a fighting 250, giving their bowlers a real chance.
South Africa’s chase — a rollercoaster ride
The Proteas’ reply began on a shaky note as Kranti Gaud struck early with a stunning catch to dismiss Tazmin Brits, fresh off a century in the previous game. Marizanne Kapp was dropped once but soon perished to a sharp delivery from Sneh Rana, while Sune Luus failed to get going.
With wickets tumbling, skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon steadied the ship through a composed 61-run stand. Just as momentum returned, Kranti delivered a lethal yorker that uprooted Wolvaardt’s middle stump, reigniting India’s hopes.
De Klerk’s heroics seal it for South Africa
At 180 for six, the match seemed India’s to lose. But de Klerk, partnering first with Tryon and then the tail, showcased remarkable composure under pressure. Even after Tryon’s dismissal via a sharp leg-before call, de Klerk kept her calm and targeted the right bowlers.
Battling cramps, she launched a late assault in the 48th over, hammering Kranti Gaud for a series of boundaries that tilted the equation decisively. With just eight balls remaining, de Klerk sealed the chase — completing one of the most memorable turnarounds of the tournament.
Third straight World Cup win for South Africa
The victory marked South Africa’s third consecutive World Cup win over India, underlining their growing dominance in pressure games. For India, despite Richa’s heroic knock, the middle-order inconsistency and death bowling woes continue to haunt their campaign.
As de Klerk walked off unbeaten on 84, she had not only secured two points for her team but also reaffirmed her reputation as one of the finest finishers in women’s cricket today.
Published – October 10, 2025 01:13 am IST
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