South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk delivered a match-winning performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025, leading her team to a thrilling victory over India with an impressive score of 84 not out off just 54 balls.
Her innings, filled with power and precision, featured eight boundaries and five sixes, turning the tide in South Africa’s favour after a shaky start.
Beyond her batting heroics, de Klerk also made a vital impact with the ball, claiming two key wickets, showcasing her all-round brilliance.
Nadine De Klerk composure under pressure and fearless approach cemented her reputation as one of the most dynamic players in women’s cricket.
Her knock, which featured eight boundaries and five sixes, significantly changed the momentum when India appeared to be in control.
India’s Fightback Led by Richa Ghosh
Earlier, Richa Ghosh played a spectacular innings of 94 runs off 77 balls, propelling India from a precarious position of 102 for 6 to a competitive total of 251 all out.
Her counterattacking knock included 11 fours and 4 sixes, providing hope for the hosts before de Klerk’s storming chase overturned the equation.
Crucial Partnerships & Turning Points.
South Africa’s chase wouldn’t have been possible without support. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the start with a steady 70 off 111 balls, and Chloe Tryon contributed a vital 49 runs.
However, when India’s bowlers faltered in the final overs, de Klerk seized the opportunity to secure the victory.
Post-Match Reflections: “We Just Played Smart Cricket”
De Klerk admitted after the match that the team stuck to a calm, calculated strategy under pressure.
“We just played smart cricket,” she said, acknowledging that the decision to pace the innings, target pacers at key moments, and build partnerships paid dividends in the closing phases.
South Africa achieved a stunning victory over India in a thrilling match held in Visakhapatnam.
In a pulsating encounter at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, South Africa edged past India by three wickets in the Women’s World Cup 2025, marking India’s first loss in the tournament.
Brilliant performances from both sides defined the match, but Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 runs off 54 balls proved to be the decisive factor.
India’s Rescue Act: Richa Ghosh’s Heroics.
Richa Ghosh played a daring 94 off 77 balls to rescue India’s innings after they had fallen to 102/6 at one point. Her assaultive batting—11 fours and four sixes—pushed India to a competitive total of 251 all out.
Chase Under Pressure.
While chasing 252, South Africa continued to lose wickets and appeared vulnerable at 81/5 in the 20th.
However, the Proteas demonstrated remarkable depth in their batting lineup, with Captain Laura Wolvaardt providing stability by scoring 70 runs off 111 balls and setting the stage for de Klerk’s assault.
De Klerk’s Heroic Finishes.
De Klerk’s innings was a crescendo of power and timing. Her innings included five sixes and eight boundaries.
She also chipped in with bowling figures of 2-52 and, in conjunction with Chloe Tryon’s 3-32, pulled South Africa out of the hole.
Turning Points & Key Overs.
- A critical over by Kranti Gaud leaked 18 runs, shifting momentum decisively.
- South Africa’s lower order held firm while India’s bowlers struggled to contain de Klerk’s fluency under pressure.
What This Means for the Tournament.
This result shakes up India’s unbeaten run and boosts South Africa’s confidence heading into the latter. For India, the match highlighted their deep batting talent but also revealed vulnerabilities when under pressure.