South Africa has secured a nail-biting three-wicket victory over India in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash, thanks to a match-winning performance from all-rounder Nadine de Klerk. Chasing a target of 252, de Klerk smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 54 deliveries, including five sixes, to guide the Proteas to 252/7 in 48.5 overs. This dramatic chase saw South Africa overcome a mid-innings slump and inflict India’s first defeat of the tournament.
Laura Wolvaardt laid the foundation for the chase with a patient 70, but it was the explosive partnership between Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk that turned the tide. Trailing at 142/6, Tryon contributed a crucial 49, and together with de Klerk, they added a vital 50-plus runs for the seventh wicket. De Klerk, in particular, displayed remarkable power-hitting, hitting the winning runs with two massive sixes, and her 84 is now the highest score by a No. 8 batter in ODI history.
The match, which started an hour late due to rain, saw India post a competitive 251 all out in 49.5 overs. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was the standout performer for India, scoring a brilliant 94 off 77 balls. Her aggressive acceleration in the death overs, coupled with contributions from Sneh Rana (33) and Amanjot Kaur (13), helped India recover from a poor start after being put in to bat. Ghosh and Rana combined for a crucial 88-run partnership for the eighth wicket, adding impetus to India’s total.
South Africa’s chase encountered early turbulence. Opener Tazmin Brits was out for a duck, and further quick wickets left them reeling at 81/5 by the 20th over. Skipper Wolvaardt’s steady innings and a partnership with Tryon provided some respite before the late heroics of de Klerk sealed a memorable win for the Proteas, moving them up the standings.