In a breathtaking encounter at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Nadine de Klerk emerged as the undisputed star as South Africa’s national women’s cricket team, the Proteas, secured an exhilarating three-wicket win over India on Thursday. This victory marked India’s first defeat of the tournament, handing South Africa their second consecutive win and sending ripples of excitement through their supporters.
Electing to field after winning the toss, South Africa was put to the test as India’s Richa Ghosh played a dazzling knock of 94, helping the team post a formidable target of 251 runs. However, the innings was not without its struggles for the Indian side, which found itself in a precarious position at 102 for 6 before Ghosh’s heroics, supported by Sneh Rana who contributed a vital 88-run partnership.
As the match unfolded, Indian bowlers initially kept the pressure on the Proteas, claiming early wickets and leaving South Africa reeling at 81 for 5. Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana each took two wickets, while Amanjot Kaur, Nallapureddy Charani and Deepti Sharma provided crucial support with a wicket apiece. Despite the early calamities, the Proteas began to recover, spearheaded by the resilience of Tazmin Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon, who put together a vital 59-run partnership, rescuing their innings from the brink.
It was De Klerk’s unrivalled determination that truly turned the tide. Stepping onto the field with her team in dire need at 142 for 6, she delivered an explosive unbeaten score of 84 runs off just 54 balls, which included an astonishing eight fours and five sixes. In remarkable fashion, De Klerk rose to the occasion, navigating the demanding run chase with composure and an array of powerful strokes that stripped India of their momentum in the closing overs.
Despite the setbacks, South Africa’s resilience shone through as De Klerk, alongside her teammates, forged ahead to execute one of the most memorable chases in women’s World Cup history. Wolvaardt’s steady innings of 70 and Tryon’s 49 runs provided essential support, ultimately sealing the fate of the match and clinching victory for the Proteas.
Earlier, India’s innings flourished with Ghosh leading the charge. Her late fireworks lifted her team past the 250-mark, a solid effort that, under different circumstances, could have sealed victory. South Africa’s Chloe Tryon, however, took critical wickets, ending with impressive figures of 3 for 32, while also proving indispensable in the chase.
The Proteas now prepare to face Bangladesh on October 13, eager to build upon their winning streak, while a disappointed India will be looking to regroup ahead of a challenging clash against Australia on October 12.