Nadine de Klerk delivered a match-winning performance as South Africa pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The Proteas chased down a target of 252, handing India their first defeat of the tournament.
After opting to field first, South Africa bowled well to restrict India to 251, despite Richa Ghosh’s brilliant 94. India’s bowlers then had the upper hand early in the chase, reducing South Africa to 142/6. But de Klerk turned the game around with a stunning unbeaten 84 from 54 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.
Laura Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49) also made vital contributions in the top and middle order to keep South Africa in the contest. For India, Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana took two wickets each, while Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Nallapureddy Charani picked up one apiece.
Earlier, Richa Ghosh’s counterattack helped India recover from a collapse at 102/6. Supported by Sneh Rana, Ghosh’s innings lifted India past 250 before Chloe Tryon (3/32) and de Klerk cleaned up the tail.
With the win, South Africa recorded their second consecutive victory, matching India’s four points from three games. India will next face Australia on October 12, while South Africa meet Bangladesh on October 13.
(Tamil Craze)
