Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: South Africa stun India after Nadine de Klerk heroics

Nadine de Klerk remained unbeaten with 84 from 54 balls as South Africa made a spectacular comeback in the Women’s World Cup, defeating hosts India by three wickets.

The Proteas, who fell to 81-5 against India’s 251, looked destined for a second defeat in three matches before De Klerk’s intervention.

The all-rounder dismantled an increasingly bewildered India attack and hit five sixes en route to his highest international score; The fifth of this innings secured victory with seven balls to spare.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt began South Africa’s recovery by hitting a patient 70 from 111 balls, laying the foundations for De Klerk’s final attack with her 61-run stand alongside Chloe Tryon.

Going from 66 to 49, Tryon quickly scored another 69 with De Klerk completing the job and Indian fans and players alike wondered how the game had slipped away from them.

For most of the second innings, it was India who were waiting to make a tackle to claim victory after wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh bludgeoned 94 from 77 to save 102-6.

But even his outstanding strikes were not enough, thanks to De Klerk’s clean shot.

The result means South Africa are level on points with India, who missed out on a chance to go top as Harmanpreet Kaur’s team suffered their first defeat of the tournament.