Visakhapatnam: In one of the most thrilling encounters of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, Nadine de Klerk produced a sensational unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls to guide South Africa to a dramatic three-wicket victory over India in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
Chasing 252, South Africa were reeling at 81/5 before de Klerk turned the match on its head with a fearless display of strokeplay. Her innings, laced with five sixes and eight fours, left the Indian bowlers shell-shocked and sealed the chase with seven balls to spare.
South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, second left, celebrates with teammates after hitting a six to win the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match against India at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
India’s Bright Start Turns into Another Collapse
India’s innings had all the ingredients of a classic roller-coaster. After a promising start, they stumbled badly — slipping from 55/0 to 102/6 in the space of 15 overs. The top order, featuring Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, couldn’t capitalize on the platform, and it took a heroic effort from Richa Ghosh to steady the ship.
Ghosh played a spectacular counter-attacking knock, scoring 94 off 77 balls with 11 fours and four sixes, single-handedly reviving India’s innings. Supported briefly by Sneh Rana (33), she powered India to a competitive total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs.
Chloe Tryon (3/32) and Nonkululeko Mlaba kept India’s batters under constant pressure, ensuring they never fully took control.
South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, center, celebrates with teammates after hitting a six to win the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match against India at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
South Africa’s Chase: From Collapse to Comeback
The chase began on a dramatic note as Kranti Gaud dismissed the in-form Tazmin Brits for a duck with a beauty. When Sune Luus followed soon after and wickets kept tumbling, the Proteas looked in deep trouble at 81/5.
But captain Laura Wolvaardt (70) held one end firmly, anchoring the innings with poise. Her 69-run stand with Chloe Tryon (49) was vital in reviving South Africa’s hopes. After Wolvaardt’s dismissal, India briefly regained control — but that’s when Nadine de Klerk unleashed a match-winning counterattack.
With the asking rate climbing past eight an over, de Klerk launched into India’s bowlers, finding boundaries with ease and finishing the chase in style. Her 84* will go down as one of the most dominant lower-order performances in Women’s World Cup history.
De Klerk Leads South Africa’s Statement Victory
“I am lost for words. To finish off the game gives us a lot of confidence,” said de Klerk, who was deservedly named Player of the Match. “I love being under pressure, and we had to be at our best to beat India at home. This win shows what we are capable of.”
For India, despite Richa Ghosh’s brilliance, the familiar middle-order collapse and lack of composure under pressure cost them dearly. It was a hard-fought contest, but South Africa’s grit and finishing power proved decisive.
Also Read: Richa Ghosh’s Heroic Knock in Vain as South Africa Stun India in Women’s World Cup 2025 Thriller
Brief Scores:
India: 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Pratika Rawal 37, Richa Ghosh 94, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3/32)
South Africa: 252/7 in 48.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 70, Chloe Tryon 49, Nadine de Klerk 84*; Sneh Rana 2/47)
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