Visakhapatnam, October 9, 2025 - In a thrilling encounter at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Nadine de Klerk's explosive, unbeaten 84 propelled South Africa to a stunning 3-wicket victory over India in the ICC Women's World Cup. De Klerk's masterclass overshadowed Richa Ghosh's heroic 94, handing India their first defeat of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 252, South Africa's innings was a rollercoaster. They initially struggled, slumping to 81-5, before captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a composed 70. However, it was de Klerk's arrival at the crease that truly shifted the momentum. Coming in at number eight, with the Proteas needing a steep 110 runs from 14.1 overs, de Klerk launched a ferocious counter-attack.
De Klerk's innings was a blend of power and finesse, laced with eight fours and five sixes. She took on the Indian spinners and quicks with equal disdain, turning the required run rate into a manageable equation. Her 54-ball blitz was instrumental in what many are calling one of South Africa's best-ever chases. She shared a crucial 69-run partnership with Chloe Tryon, who contributed a brisk 49, further destabilizing the Indian bowling attack. Even after Tryon's dismissal, de Klerk remained calm, guiding the tail-enders through the final tense overs and ultimately hitting the winning boundary in the 49th over.
Earlier in the day, India's innings was a tale of two halves. After a steady start, the top order faltered against left-arm spin, collapsing to 102-6. Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba rattled the batting lineup, with Tryon bagging 3 crucial wickets for 32 runs. Just when it looked like India would fold, Richa Ghosh orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
Ghosh's brilliant 94 off 77 balls, the highest score by a number eight batter in Women's World Cup history, revived the innings. Her aggressive approach put the South African spinners under pressure, as she found the boundary 11 times and cleared it 4 times. Sneh Rana provided valuable support with a quickfire 33, as they added 88 runs for the eighth wicket. Ghosh's stunning innings helped India reach a total of 251.
Despite Ghosh's heroics, India's mid-innings collapse and inconsistent bowling ultimately cost them the game. Kranti Gaud and Sneh Rana picked up two wickets each, but they couldn't contain de Klerk's onslaught. The defeat dents India's campaign, while South Africa's hard-fought win keeps their knockout hopes alive.
"I am lost for words," said De Klerk after the match. "We have done a lot of good things in the last couple of days, but to finish off the game gives us a lot of confidence. I do like being under pressure and do love World Cups -- we had to be at our best to beat India at home". Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised de Klerk's performance, saying, "She's been hitting the ball like that in the nets for a while but, to see her do it in a match is incredibly special, it was one of the best knocks I've seen".
Both India and South Africa remain in Visakhapatnam for their next matches. India will face Australia on Sunday, while South Africa will take on Bangladesh on Monday.
