In a contest that went right down to the wire, South Africa Women edged out India Women by 3 wickets in a tense chase at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam. After India posted 251 in 49.5 overs, thanks to a sensational knock from Richa Ghosh (94 off 77), South Africa mounted a resilient chase led by Laura Wolvaardt’s composed 70 and a counterattacking masterclass from Nadine de Klerk (84* off 54) to seal victory with 9 balls to spare. Despite a disciplined effort from India’s bowlers, South Africa’s middle-order power and calm under pressure proved decisive, handing them a crucial win in their World Cup campaign.
Richa Ghosh – 94 (77)
India’s innings revolved around the brilliance of Richa Ghosh, who played a near-perfect knock of 94 off 77 balls to lift her team from a precarious position. Coming in at 102/6, Ghosh counter-attacked with intent, mixing power and placement with remarkable maturity. Her innings featured 11 fours and 4 sixes, rescuing India from collapse and guiding them to 251. Displaying composure against both pace and spin, she dominated the back end of the innings before being dismissed in the final over. Her valiant effort gave India a fighting total and kept them in contention throughout.
Sneh Rana – 33 (24) and 2/47 (10)
Sneh Rana once again proved her all-round value, contributing 33 off 24 balls with the bat and following it up with a controlled bowling performance of 10-0-47-2. Her quickfire cameo added crucial late runs alongside Ghosh, propelling India from 153/7 to a competitive total. With the ball, she broke South Africa’s momentum at key junctures, dismissing Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon. Her economical spell kept India in the game deep into the chase, underlining her role as one of India’s most dependable all-rounders.
Chloe Tryon – 3/32 (1) and 49
Chloe Tryon was instrumental in both innings, delivering a captain’s delight of an all-round performance. With the ball, she picked up 3 wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs, including the prized scalps of Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Amanjot Kaur, breaking the backbone of India’s middle order. Later, with the bat, she anchored a critical phase of South Africa’s chase, scoring 49 off 66 balls with six boundaries. Her partnership with Nadine de Klerk (69 off 60 runs for the seventh wicket) turned the game decisively in South Africa’s favour.
Nonkululeko Mlaba – 2/46 (10)
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba played a vital role in applying the brakes on India’s early momentum. She bowled a miserly spell of 10-0-46-2, claiming the wickets of Harleen Deol and Smriti Mandhana. Her precise control and drift made scoring difficult through the middle overs, creating pressure that triggered India’s top-order collapse. Mlaba’s consistent ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line was pivotal in restricting India below the 260-mark.
Nadine de Klerk – 2/52 (6.5) and 84* (54)
In what was arguably the defining performance of the match, Nadine de Klerk produced a stunning all-round display. After contributing with the ball (2/52 in 6.5 overs) by removing Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur, she turned saviour with the bat. Walking in at 142/6, de Klerk unleashed a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 84* off 54 balls, laced with 8 fours and 5 sixes. Her fearless approach under pressure and partnership with Tryon guided South Africa from the brink of defeat to a memorable win. She fittingly earned the Player of the Match award for her heroics.
Laura Wolvaardt – 70 (111)
Leading from the front, Laura Wolvaardt laid the foundation for South Africa’s chase with a composed 70 off 111 balls. On a tricky surface, she soaked up early pressure after quick wickets fell and kept the scoreboard ticking with controlled strokeplay. Her innings, featuring 8 fours, was marked by patience and precision — ensuring stability before the late fireworks from de Klerk sealed the deal. Though she fell at a crucial stage, her calm presence up top was key in preventing a collapse and setting up the platform for victory.
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