South Africa Women Edge India by 3 Wickets in nail-biting match

In a thrilling finish that will go down as one of the great moments in South African women’s cricket, the Proteas stunned India with a three-wicket victory in Visakhapatnam. It was a match that had everything - pressure, power-hitting, and poise, and at the heart of it all stood Nadine de Klerk, who delivered a career-defining performance to guide her team home.

Early Setbacks for the Proteas

South Africa won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of early movement on a humid evening. Their bowlers didn’t disappoint, spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon shared five wickets between them, while Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk kept India in check during the middle overs.

India’s innings, however, was anchored by a brilliant 94 from Richa Ghosh, who came to the rescue after her side collapsed from 83/1 to 102/6. Her clean hitting, supported by Sneh Rana’s cameo of 33, lifted India to a competitive total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs.

Tryon was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32, while De Klerk, Kapp, and Mlaba chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring the Proteas didn’t face an insurmountable chase.

The Chase: From Collapse to Comeback

Chasing 252, South Africa’s top order found themselves in deep trouble early. Star opener Tazmin Brits fell to a sharp return catch from Kranti Goud, followed by quick dismissals of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. By the time the scoreboard read 81/5, India appeared firmly in control.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt (70 off 111) and Chloe Tryon (49 off 66) began the fightback, putting on a gritty 59-run stand that steadied the innings. Still, when Wolvaardt was bowled by Kranti Goud, South Africa were staring at defeat, until Nadine de Klerk walked in.

The De Klerk Masterclass 💥

At 142/6, the equation was steep - over 100 runs needed from 80 balls. But De Klerk unleashed one of the most remarkable counter-attacks in World Cup history.

The all-rounder played fearlessly, mixing controlled aggression with smart placement. She blasted 84 off just 54 balls*, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes, including three towering hits in the final overs that turned the game on its head. Her shot selection under pressure was impeccable, each boundary breathing life back into South Africa’s chase.

Alongside Tryon, De Klerk added a crucial 69-run partnership, pushing the Proteas past 200 and within touching distance of victory. With nerves of steel, she guided the side home with just 7 balls remaining, sealing a sensational three-wicket win and earning the Player of the Match award.

A Statement Win

This was more than just two points on the log, it was a declaration of intent. After their heavy loss to England and a strong rebound against New Zealand, South Africa have now beaten the hosts and tournament favourites in front of a roaring Indian crowd.

The result leaves both India and South Africa tied on points after three matches, sitting in third and fourth place on the standings. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, and this win has firmly reignited South Africa’s campaign.

Next Fixture

The Proteas will look to keep their winning streak alive when they face Bangladesh next on 13 October 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam.

All image credits to Cricket South Africa

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