South Africa Women pulled off one of the most thrilling chases of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating India Women by three wickets with seven balls to spare at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The match witnessed a spectacular turnaround led by all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who powered South Africa home after India appeared firmly in control.
Batting first after losing the toss, India posted 251 runs in 49.5 overs, thanks to a sensational knock from Richa Ghosh, who struck 94 off 77 balls. Walking in when India were in deep trouble at 102 for six, Richa stitched an 88-run stand with Sneh Rana (33 off 24) to revive the innings. Despite falling just six runs short of her maiden World Cup century, the wicketkeeper-batter’s counterattack ensured India reached a competitive total. South Africa’s Chloe Tryon was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 48 runs.
In response, South Africa top order struggled as they slumped to 142 for six, but de Klerk turned the game on its head. Displaying remarkable composure and power-hitting, she smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls, featuring 8 fours and 5 towering sixes. Her fiery onslaught in the 47th over — where she hammered 18 runs off Kranti Gaud — sealed the contest. Captain Laura Wolvaardt contributed a steady 70, while Tryon chipped in with 49 during a crucial 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
India’s bowlers fought hard, with Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud among the wickets, but they couldn’t contain de Klerk’s charge in the death overs. The defeat marked India’s first loss of the tournament, pushing them to third place in the points table behind Australia and England.
For South Africa, this victory was not just about two points — it was a statement. Their lower-order fightback, led by de Klerk, became one of the most memorable comebacks in Women’s World Cup history.
Final Scores:
- India Women: 251 all out (Richa Ghosh 94, Sneh Rana 33; Tryon 3/48)
- South Africa Women: 252/7 in 48.5 overs (de Klerk 84*, Wolvaardt 70, Tryon 49)
