South Africa pulled off a stunning three-wicket win over India in Match 10 of the ICC Women’s World Cup on Thursday, thanks to an explosive unbeaten 84 from Nadine de Klerk and a composed 70 from captain Laura Wolvaardt.
De Klerk’s fearless power-hitting turned the game on its head as the Proteas chased down 252 in 48.5 overs, sealing their second consecutive victory after being bowled out for just 69 in their tournament opener.
De Klerk’s Power Surge Lifts Proteas From The Brink
South Africa were staring at defeat at 142 for 6, but Chloe Tryon (49) and de Klerk launched a fierce counterattack to revive their innings. The pair shared a crucial 50-run stand for the seventh wicket, turning the pressure back on India’s bowlers.
De Klerk, who smashed five sixes and seven fours in her 54-ball blitz, produced one of the finest lower-order innings in World Cup history. She struck 16 runs off three balls in the 47th over to turn the equation around, and sealed the chase with two towering sixes off Amanjot Kaur in the 49th.
I’m lost for words. We knew we had to take it deep. I do like being under pressure — there’s no bigger stage than playing India at home. Chloe took the pressure off me, and Laura was brilliant. It’s great to get over the line.
The 23-year-old’s knock was the highest ever by a No. 8 batter in women’s ODIs, underlining her all-round value and composure under fire.
Wolvaardt Steadies The Innings Before Late Fireworks
After a shaky start that saw Tazmin Brits dismissed for a duck, Wolvaardt held the innings together with a determined 70 off 111 balls. The skipper’s stand with Tryon (61 for the sixth wicket) gave South Africa a foothold before de Klerk’s heroics sealed the deal.
That was special — one of the best innings I’ve seen in my career. We found ourselves in a pickle, but we kept saying we needed something special. Nadine has been hitting like that in the nets, and I’m glad it came off today.
Richa Ghosh’s Lone Brilliance Lights Up India’s Innings
Earlier, Richa Ghosh produced a magnificent 94 off 77 balls to lift India from 102/6 to a competitive 251 all out. Her knock, which featured 11 fours and four sixes, came after India’s top order collapsed following their decision to bat first.
The wicketkeeper-batter added 50 runs with Amanjot Kaur (13) and 88 with Sneh Rana (33 off 24), launching a late assault that saw India pile up 98 runs in the final 10 overs.
Richa has been outstanding for us. We didn’t take enough responsibility as a top order, but her hitting kept us in the game. It’s a tough loss, but a lot of learnings for the team.
India’s Bowlers Fight Hard But Fall Short
India began well with the ball, reducing South Africa to 81/5, thanks to Kranti Gaud (2/59) and Sneh Rana (2/47). But once Tryon and de Klerk got going, the attack ran out of ideas.
We got the early wickets, but de Klerk batted really well. They deserved to win. We have to keep our heads up and bounce back — it’s a long tournament.
Brief Scores: India: 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3/32, Marizanne Kapp 2/45, Nadine de Klerk 2/52). South Africa: 252/7 in 48.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 70, Chloe Tryon 49, Nadine de Klerk 84*; Kranti Gaud 2/59, Sneh Rana 2/47). Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets.
