South Africa has clinched a sensational three-wicket victory over India in a nail-biting ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 fixture, with Nadine de Klerk playing the starring role. De Klerk’s unbeaten 84, a record-breaking innings for a No. 8 batter in ODIs, alongside Laura Wolvaardt’s anchoring 70, steered the Proteas to 252/7 in 48.5 overs. This significant win propels South Africa into the top four, while handing India their first defeat in the competition.
The match, delayed by an hour due to rain, saw South Africa overcome a critical mid-innings collapse. When the team was tottering at 142/6, Chloe Tryon (49) and Nadine de Klerk combined to rescue the innings. De Klerk’s aggressive batting, including five towering sixes, put the Indian bowlers under immense pressure and set up the victory. Her 84 came off a mere 54 balls, showcasing an explosive display of power-hitting.
Earlier, India had posted a respectable 251, largely on the back of a magnificent 94 from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Ghosh’s brilliant knock, featuring 11 fours and four sixes, was a masterclass in accelerating the scoring, especially in the latter stages of the innings. Her substantial 88-run partnership with Sneh Rana (33) for the eighth wicket was instrumental in pushing India’s total past the 250-run mark.
South Africa’s chase began inauspiciously, with opener Tazmin Brits departing for a duck. The early loss of wickets continued, leaving South Africa in a difficult position at 81/5. Captain Wolvaardt’s composed 70 provided much-needed stability, and her partnership with Tryon offered a glimmer of hope before de Klerk’s heroics ultimately sealed a memorable win for the Proteas in a hard-fought contest.