In what has been the most thrilling encounter of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 so far, South Africa secured a dramatic 3-wicket victory over Team India in Visakhapatnam. Despite being in a losing position, having lost 5 wickets for just 81 runs, South Africa snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, thanks to a sensational unbeaten knock of 84 runs off just 54 balls by Nadine de Klerk. They successfully chased India's target of 252 in 48, while 5 overs. This marks India's first loss in the tournament and their third consecutive defeat against South Africa in World Cup history, while
India's Rollercoaster Innings
Batting first, Team India got off to a strong start with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal forging a half-century partnership. However, Mandhana once again failed to convert her start into a big score. Harleen Deol, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues also fell cheaply, leading to a collapse from 83 for 1 to a precarious 102 for 6.
Richa Ghosh's Valiant Effort
After the fall of the sixth wicket, Richa Ghosh took charge, stabilizing India's innings. She first built a crucial half-century partnership with Amanjot Kaur, followed by a blistering 88-run. Stand off just 53 balls with Sneh Rana, who contributed a quickfire 33 off 24 balls. Ghosh herself played a scintillating innings, scoring 94 runs off just 77 deliveries, narrowly missing out on her maiden century in the final over. Chloe Tryon was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming 3 wickets.
De Klerk Turns the Tide
South Africa's chase began poorly, with their top order failing to fire, leaving them struggling at 81 for 5, while captain Laura Wolvaardt (70 runs) and Chloe Tryon then steadied the ship, building a 71-run partnership. Just when it seemed India might regain control after Kranti bowled Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk unleashed an extraordinary assault, while joining Tryon, de Klerk added 69 runs, smashing a 41-ball fifty in the 47th over with back-to-back sixes and a four off Kranti. De Klerk single-handedly guided her team to victory, hitting two more sixes in the 49th over to seal a memorable win. Her innings included 5 sixes and 8 fours.
