India Women faced South Africa Women in a thrilling Women’s World Cup 2025 match played on October 9 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. India posted a competitive total of 251 runs, thanks to a spectacular innings by Richa Ghosh who scored 94 runs off 77 balls batting at no. 8. However, South Africa chased down the target with three wickets to spare, powered by an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls by Nadine de Klerk, who also batted at no. 8, sealing a narrow and exciting victory for the Proteas.
India won the toss and elected to bat first but quickly found themselves in trouble, losing early wickets and slipping to 102 for 6. Richa Ghosh’s crucial knock from number eight was the backbone of India’s innings, stabilizing the innings with aggressive strokeplay. Her partnerships included a 51-run stand with Amanjot Kaur and an 88-run stand with Sneh Rana, reviving India from a precarious position to reach a fighting total of 251 before being bowled out in the final overs.
South Africa’s bowling was led by Chloe Tryon, who picked crucial wickets and ended with figures of 3 for 32. The South African bowlers kept constant pressure on Indian batters with tight lines and timely breakthroughs, with Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Nonkululeko Mlaba also chipping in with important wickets. Despite this, India’s lower order resisted well to push their team to a respectable total.
During the chase, South Africa stumbled early, losing five wickets for just 81 runs, putting them under intense pressure. However, Laura Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49) combined to build a vital 59-run partnership that steadied the innings and gave South Africa hope for a competitive finish.
The match turned on Nadine de Klerk’s spectacular batting cameo. Coming in with South Africa struggling at 142 for 6, de Klerk unleashed a powerful and composed display of hitting, striking eight fours and five sixes in her 84 not out. Her timely boundaries under pressure ensured South Africa remained ahead of the required run rate and eventually secured a memorable three-wicket victory with seven balls to spare, marking their second consecutive win in the tournament.
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For India, the loss was their first defeat of the 2025 World Cup. Despite the early top-order failures, their lower order showed resilience, but ultimately it was not enough to contain South Africa’s chase. Indian bowlers Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana took two wickets each, while Amanjot Kaur, Sree Charani, and Deepti Sharma contributed with one wicket apiece. This defeat puts India under pressure as they prepare for their upcoming match against Australia.
The game was a close and intense contest where South Africa’s lower-middle order batting brilliance under pressure, especially from Nadine de Klerk, outshone India’s fighting total largely built by Richa Ghosh’s maiden World Cup standout innings. It was a thrilling encounter that showcased the unpredictability and excitement of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
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