South Africa’s dynamic all-rounder Nadine de Klerk produced a breathtaking innings in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scoring 84* off 54 balls at a strike rate of 155, to guide her side to a thrilling victory over India. Coming in during a tense phase of the chase, de Klerk stitched a crucial 69-run stand with Chloe Tryon, steering South Africa to a memorable win.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, de Klerk opened up about the key moments, the tactical battles, and the mindset behind her innings, “It was about taking the pressure down.”
Reflecting on the early phases of her partnership with Tryon, Nadine shared how they handled India’s spin threat up front.
“We just played smart cricket – me and Chloe just tried to take it really deep. We knew that if we had to get 40 off the last four, and the two of us are still batting, then we could get it. It was about building that partnership, carrying ourselves in, and taking the pacers down. That was always the plan to try and take the pacers down. It was much easier on that surface.”
With Nadine de Klerk well set and smashing back-to-back, India tried to halt momentum, delay tactics were on display with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh calling the physio, Klerk was clearly unhappy with it all and when about the high-tension she shared how it benefited her, now what India would have hoped.
“We obviously felt like it was quite tactical from India to try and slow the game down, but in the end, it actually worked out quite well. We also got a bit of a refreshment, and it just gave me a few seconds to restart my head and my game plans as well. I think, in the end, it worked out quite well.”
Known for her powerful stroke play, Nadine was asked about her power-hitting training and her background as a hockey player. “Yeah, I was never that good at hockey, but I think hockey helps you to hit those awkward gaps. It’s my natural game; I’ve always been the one to take the game on. Today it was just about not trying to overhit or overthink. Simplicity is everything. I just backed myself and not trying to overhit it, just time the ball. It was quite a good wicket.”
India’s well-known vulnerability against left-arm spin was a big part of South Africa’s strategy. Nadine praised her teammates Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba for their execution.
“As a batter, it’s always quite tough when the ball’s turning away. We have two very good left-arm spinners, and it was quite a right-handed dominant batting lineup. Chloe and Mlaba did a brilliant job for us, especially in that middle phase. That’s why we could restrict India to 250 in the end. We were confident in chasing 255.”
Despite India’s late fightback through Richa Ghosh, 98 runs in 10 overs, recovering from 102/6, Nadine said the team remained calm and confident at the halfway mark.
“They batted quite well in those last 10 to get to a competitive total. But we still felt like it was probably par. We know with the dew and under lights, it might become a bit better to bat. They bowled brilliantly, and we lost two wickets, but we had a few partnerships to steady things. Laura and Chloe batted well through that middle, tough period. It got much better later on with the seamers, and we were pretty confident in chasing 250.”
On being asked about the changing conditions, Nadine noted how the wicket evolved across both innings. “Yeah, definitely. After the first innings, we felt it got a lot better. It looked quite tough against spin, but it was easier against the seamers… That’s why we were confident in chasing it.”
Nadine de Klerk’s fearless approach and composure under pressure once again underlined her growing stature as one of South Africa’s most reliable match-winners. Her 84-run blitz not only sealed the victory but also showcased her maturity and adaptability — qualities that will be vital as South Africa push deeper into the tournament.
Loves all things female cricket