Nadine de Klerk’s outstanding unbeaten 84, coupled with Laura Wolvaardt’s steady 70, guided South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in a pivotal ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter. South Africa successfully chased down India’s 251-run target, reaching 252/7 in 48.5 overs with seven balls to spare. This win marks South Africa’s second consecutive triumph, boosting their standing and moving them into the top four of the tournament. Despite the loss, India, suffering their first defeat in three matches, also remains a strong contender in the top tier.
The Proteas, who were bowled out for a mere 69 in their previous outing, staged a remarkable comeback. A crucial 7th wicket partnership between Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk proved decisive. After finding themselves in a precarious position at 142/6, Tryon’s aggressive 49 and de Klerk’s explosive 84 off just 54 balls, featuring five sixes, tore apart the Indian bowling attack. De Klerk’s innings set a new record for the highest individual score by a No. 8 batter in ODI history, a testament to her power-hitting prowess.
Earlier, India had South Africa on the back foot, reducing them to 102/6 after electing to bowl. However, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh played a sensational knock of 94 off 77 balls, anchoring the Indian innings and building crucial partnerships with the lower order. She combined with Amanjot Kaur for a 50-run stand and then an 88-run partnership with Sneh Rana (33 off 24 balls) for the eighth wicket, propelling India to a competitive total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs. Ghosh’s aggressive batting in the final 10 overs, where she smashed 11 fours and four sixes, was particularly noteworthy, as she and Rana added 98 runs in that period.
South Africa’s chase began disastrously as Tazmin Brits was dismissed for a golden duck. Early wickets continued to fall, with Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, and Anneke Bosch also departing cheaply, leaving South Africa struggling at 81/5 in the 20th over. Skipper Wolvaardt provided stability, but it was the late surge from Tryon and de Klerk that ultimately steered South Africa to a memorable victory.
