South Africa (252/7) beat India (251) by three wickets
De Klerk 84, Wolvaardt 70 | Ghosh 94, Tryon 3-32, Kapp 2-45*
In a contest that swung wildly until the very end, Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls overshadowed Richa Ghosh’s fighting 94 as South Africa clinched a three-wicket thriller against India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The game, which featured two No.8s producing career-best performances, saw South Africa pull off the fifth-highest successful chase in World Cup history, sealing victory with seven balls to spare.
India’s recovery led by Richa Ghosh
After being put in to bat, India started brightly with 55 runs in the powerplay, but a mid-innings collapse saw them slump to 102 for 6. Ghosh, alongside Amanjot Kaur (26) and later Sneh Rana (33 off 24), revived the innings with vital partnerships.
Ghosh’s 94 came from 80 balls, featuring calculated aggression and fearless strokeplay. She anchored India’s late flourish — 98 runs in the final 10 overs — lifting them to a competitive 251.
South Africa’s shaky start and steady rebuild
Chasing 252, South Africa stumbled early at 81 for 5, as India’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Laura Wolvaardt (70) stood tall amid the chaos, playing with patience and poise. Her partnerships with Marizanne Kapp (28) and Chloe Tryon (37) steadied the innings, but when Tryon fell with 41 still required off 25 balls, India appeared to have regained control.
De Klerk turns the tide
Then came the moment Nadine de Klerk took charge. Calm yet ruthless, she dismantled India’s attack in the closing overs. She smashed two sixes and a four off Kranti Gaud, followed by twin boundaries off Deepti Sharma, before sealing the chase with back-to-back sixes over deep midwicket and long-on.
Her unbeaten 84 off 54 balls — laced with five fours and four sixes — not only rescued South Africa but also showcased her evolution into one of the most dependable all-rounders in world cricket.
What the win means
The victory lifted South Africa to fourth place on the points table, level with India and England but behind on net run rate. For India, the defeat was a tough blow despite Richa Ghosh’s brilliance — her 94 remains one of the most valiant innings of the tournament.
Match Summary
- India: 251 all out (Richa Ghosh 94, Rana 33, Tryon 3-32, Kapp 2-45)
- South Africa: 252/7 in 48.5 overs (De Klerk 84*, Wolvaardt 70, Rana 2-47)
- Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets
