De Klerk’s Batting Heroics: South Africa Stuns India in World Cup Thriller

  • October 9, 2025

In an electrifying showdown at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Ground in Visakhapatnam on October 9, 2025, South Africa Women narrowly defeated India Women by three wickets in the 10th game of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. India established a noteworthy score of 252 runs, driven by an exceptional counterattacking performance from Richa Ghosh, who amassed a spirited 94. However, it was South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk who excelled prominently with the willow, guiding her squad to a noteworthy triumph with an undefeated 84 from 54 deliveries, triggering joyous celebrations among the Proteas followers and reinforcing South Africa’s capabilities in the competition.

Nadine de Klerk steals the show against India

De Klerk showcased a remarkable game, which emerged as the focal point of South Africa’s captivating pursuit. Subsequent to South Africa surrendering initial wickets and encountering difficulties at 81/5, De Klerk’s bold method was pivotal in the central and concluding phases. Arriving at a crucial juncture, she merged strength and accuracy, achieving her half-century in mere 40 balls, encompassing five boundaries and two towering sixes. Her forceful yet poised performance sustained consistent strain on the opposition’s bowling attack. De Klerk’s undefeated 84 not solely rescued her team from a precarious situation but additionally propelled them nearer to the objective with assurance and skill, culminating in South Africa attaining 252/7 in 48.5 overs with seven balls remaining.

South Africa clinches a tense Women’s World Cup win against India

India’s batting display experienced varied periods. The Indian top order displayed assurance yet could not fully leverage as wickets collapsed at significant instances. Ghosh’s explosive 94 from 77 deliveries became the pillar of India’s performance following the side’s decline to 102/6. She cultivated crucial partnerships, notably an 88-run alliance alongside Sneh Rana, assisting India in setting a total of 251. Nevertheless, the remaining batters struggled to accumulate impetus against South Africa’s regulated bowling assault, which featured three dismissals from Chloe Tryon and two apiece from De Klerk and Marizanne Kapp.

Defending 252, India commenced effectively by securing two early dismissals, exerting pressure on South Africa initially. However, the Proteas displayed strength with Laura Wolvaardt’s stable 70 and significant contributions in the middle order. Despite losing wickets frequently, the South African batting lineup, guided by de Klerk, pursued the total consistently. Important dismissals such as Wolvaardt’s and Tryon’s could not halt the flow as De Klerk’s exceptional performance guaranteed the Proteas secured a final-over victory in an unpredictable chase that thrilled spectators.

Here’s how fans reacted:

This article was initially distributed through WomenCricket.com, under the umbrella of Cricket Times.

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