In a gripping showdown at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Ground, South Africa triumphed over Bangladesh by a narrow margin of three wickets, securing a vital victory in the 14th contest of the ICC Women’s World Championship 2025. In pursuit of a challenging score of 233, the Proteas relied on Chloe Tryon’s decisive 62 runs and a late push from Nadine de Klerk to clinch the win with only a few balls remaining.
Bangladesh post competitive 232/6 after opting to bat
Having won the coin toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first, setting a respectable 232/6 in 50 overs, fueled by significant contributions from their top and middle order batters. Sharmin Akhter stabilized the innings with a measured 50 from 77 balls, which included six boundaries, while Shorna Akter’s dynamic 51 off just 35 balls injected much-needed momentum late in the innings.
However, Bangladesh began cautiously. Opening pair Rubya Haider (25) and Fargana Hoque (30) contended with a disciplined South African bowling attack spearheaded by Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas, who bowled accurately despite not taking any wickets. Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) kept the score moving in the middle overs before Shorna Akter unleashed a series of boundaries, pushing Bangladesh beyond the 230-run mark.
Among the South African bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba stood out, claiming 2 wickets for 42 runs from her allotted overs. Nadine de Klerk (1/39) and Chloe Tryon (1/41) secured crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, making sure the target remained within reach.
Chloe Tryon and Marizzane Kapp anchor South Africa’s chase
South Africa’s pursuit began poorly when Tazmin Brits was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Anneke Bosch (28) steadied the innings with a quick 55-run partnership before Bangladesh retaliated with rapid wickets, leaving the Proteas struggling at 78/5.
At that point, Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) partnered with Chloe Tryon (62 off 69), and together they forged a critical 95-run stand for the sixth wicket. Kapp played a stabilizing role, while Tryon combined aggression with composure, hitting six fours and a huge six to swing the momentum in South Africa’s direction.
After Kapp’s dismissal, Bangladesh briefly regained control, with Nahida Akter (2/44) and Ritu Moni (1/29) tightening the screws. However, Nadine de Klerk’s rapid 37 not out from 29 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, ultimately sealed the chase in dramatic fashion, guiding South Africa to 235/7 in 49.3 overs.
Third consecutive win for South Africa 🙂#cricket #CWC25 #SAvBAN #ODI pic.twitter.com/8KD7oksgZP
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 13, 2025
Bangladesh’s bowlers displayed determination, with Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan leading the charge. Despite their efforts, crucial partnerships forged by South Africa’s middle order were ultimately decisive. Ritu Moni’s economical bowling (1/29 in 10 overs) was noteworthy, keeping the contest competitive until the final over.
Player of the Match
Chloe Tryon was awarded Player of the Match for her impressive all-round performance and a game-changing 62 off 69 balls. Her composed innings under pressure highlighted her maturity and ability to finish games, propelling South Africa to their third tournament victory.
This article was originally published at WomenCricket.com, part of the Cricket Times group.
