In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Nadine de Klerk produced a breathtaking 54-ball 84—laced with five massive sixes—to steer South Africa to a dramatic three-wicket victory over India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Played under the lights in Visakhapatnam, the game will be remembered not just for its tension, but for one of the most explosive finishes in recent Women’s ODI history .
Table of Contents
- Match Overview: From Collapse to Comeback
- De Klerk’s Blitz: The Innings That Changed Everything
- Richa Ghosh’s Record 94 in a Losing Cause
- The Partnerships That Saved South Africa
- Key Stats from the Match
- What This Win Means for Both Teams
- Sources
Match Overview: From Collapse to Comeback
Chasing India’s 251, South Africa looked dead and buried at 81/5. The Indian bowlers—especially Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma—had ripped through the top order with precision. But what followed was a masterclass in resilience and power-hitting that turned the game on its head.
De Klerk’s Blitz: The Innings That Changed Everything
Coming in at No. 7, Nadine de Klerk didn’t just rebuild—she detonated. Her 84 off just 54 balls included 8 fours and 5 sixes, many of them launched over long-on and midwicket with astonishing ease. She shared a 72-run stand with captain Laura Wolvaardt (36) and then finished the job with an unbroken 41-run partnership with Sinalo Jafta (22*).
South Africa reached 254/7 with seven balls to spare, sending their dugout into raptures and silencing a packed crowd in Visakhapatnam.
Richa Ghosh’s Record 94 in a Losing Cause
India’s innings was anchored by a historic knock from Richa Ghosh, whose 94 off 97 balls is now the highest score by a No. 8 (or lower) batter in Women’s ODI history. With the top order collapsing to 122/6, Ghosh’s counterattack—featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes—lifted India to a competitive 251. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her effort but lamented the lack of support from senior batters .
The Partnerships That Saved South Africa
After the early carnage, Chloe Tryon (28) and Wolvaardt steadied the ship with a 43-run stand for the sixth wicket. But it was the fearless aggression of de Klerk that truly shifted momentum. Her strike rate of 155.55 in the death overs left India with no answers.
Key Stats from the Match
| Player | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk (SA) | 84* (54 balls) | Player of the Match |
| Richa Ghosh (IND) | 94 (97 balls) | Highest No.8+ score in Women’s ODIs |
| Laura Wolvaardt (SA) | 36 (58 balls) | Anchored middle-order recovery |
| Renuka Singh (IND) | 3/42 | Early breakthroughs |
What This Win Means for Both Teams
For South Africa, this is more than just a win—it’s a statement. Beating a top-three side like India in a high-pressure World Cup match shows their growing maturity in crunch situations. For India, however, questions linger about top-order fragility and death-bowling plans. With the tournament just beginning, both teams have lessons to absorb.
Final Thoughts
The Nadine de Klerk innings wasn’t just match-winning—it was tournament-defining. In a sport where momentum swings fast, South Africa has seized theirs. India, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to stay in contention for the semifinals.