Nadine de Klerk’s 84* stuns unbeaten India as South Africa clinch thriller in Vizag

Nadine de Klerk played a stunning unbeaten knock of 84 runs to lead South Africa to a thrilling 3-wicket win against India. Chasing down the target of 252 set by India, South Africa managed to mount a successful chase despite early setbacks and losing important wickets.

The ICC Women’s World Cup kicks off tonight with Nadine de Klerk’s Dr. YS Rajasekhara witnessed thrilling drama as Reddy led South Africa to an improbable three-wicket victory over previously unbeaten hosts India at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. De Klerk’s sensational, unbeaten 84 from just 54 balls sealed a stunning comeback after India staged a dramatic recovery.

Having set a competitive target of 252, the Proteas chase has become strained following the departure of skipper Laura Wolvaardt for a solid 70. With their lower order exposed, South Africa realized they needed a high run rate. It was at this critical juncture that the versatile Nadine de Klerk seized the moment.

De Klerk launched a fierce counter-attack, targeting the Indian spinners and quicks with equal disdain. He improved his fifty with a massive six and, more importantly, changed the momentum decisively in the 47th over, passing Kranti Gaud’s 18 overs to ensure the required rate was reached. With nerves of steel, he guided the back-end through the final overs of tension and hit the winning mark in the 49th over, securing South Africa’s famous win.

ALSO READ| Smriti Mandhana scenario history, 28-year-old breaks WODI’s run record against South Africa in 2025 Women’s World Cup

Earlier in the day, India’s innings was a tale of two halves. After a familiar top-order collapse they collapsed to 102 for 6, wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh produced a brilliant, record-breaking save display. Ghosh’s explosive 94 from 77 deliveries, the highest ever score by the number eight in the Women’s World Cup, took India to a total of 251.

Despite Ghosh’s heroics and the struggling efforts of the bowlers, India could not withstand de Klerk’s late-innings onslaught. This superb performance earned South Africa two valuable points and gave India their first major challenge of the tournament.

ALSO READ| IND vs SA Women’s World Cup 2025: Kranti Gaud took a stunning catch to dismiss the centurion in the last over Compensation The British are chasing ducks – Watch