Table of Contents
- World Cup Thriller in Mirpur: SA Chases Down Target
- Bangladesh Posts Competitive Total
- South Africa’s Mid-Innings Wobble
- Tryon and de Klerk Steer SA Home
- Key Performances That Turned the Tide
- What This Win Means for South Africa’s Campaign
- Sources
World Cup Thriller in Mirpur: SA Chases Down Target
In a nail-biting encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, South Africa’s women’s cricket team edged past Bangladesh by three wickets in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash. The victory, sealed with just three balls to spare, was powered by a composed unbeaten 37 from all-rounder Nadine de Klerk and a crucial 42-run partnership with veteran Chloe Tryon.
Bangladesh Posts Competitive Total
Bangladesh batted first and posted a respectable 212 for 8 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a gritty 68 from opener Fargana Hoque. Supported by contributions from Nigar Sultana (34) and Ritu Moni (27), the hosts built momentum through the middle overs.
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by pace duo Shabnim Ismail (2/38) and Ayabonga Khaka (2/41), kept things tight, while spinners Sune Luus and Delmi Tucker applied pressure in the death overs to restrict the total to a chaseable target.
South Africa’s Mid-Innings Wobble
The Proteas’ chase began confidently, with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits putting on 47 for the first wicket. But the innings unraveled quickly as Bangladesh’s spinners struck in quick succession. Captain Nuzhat Tasnia and off-spinner Jannatul Ferdus combined to dismantle the middle order, leaving South Africa reeling at 98 for 6.
With the World Cup dream hanging in the balance, the experienced duo of Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon walked in to steady the ship.
Tryon and de Klerk Steer SA Home
Kapp (22) provided the initial stability, rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed. But it was Chloe Tryon who shifted the momentum. Her aggressive 31 off just 28 balls included four boundaries and re-energized the South African dugout.
After Tryon’s dismissal in the 45th over, the pressure fell on Nadine de Klerk. Displaying remarkable composure under duress, she mixed caution with calculated aggression, hitting the winning runs with three deliveries remaining. Her unbeaten 37 off 41 balls earned her Player of the Match honors.
Key Performances That Turned the Tide
| Player | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk | All-rounder | 37* (41), 1/29 |
| Chloe Tryon | All-rounder | 31 (28), 0/18 |
| Fargana Hoque | Batter | 68 (89) |
| Shabnim Ismail | Bowler | 2/38 (10 overs) |
What This Win Means for South Africa’s Campaign
The victory lifts South Africa to a strong position in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 points table, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. After an inconsistent start to the tournament, this comeback win showcases the team’s depth and resilience—particularly in high-pressure chases.
Coach Hilton Moreeng praised the “character” of his side: “To lose six wickets and still find a way—that’s the mark of a champion team in the making.”
For Bangladesh, the loss is a missed opportunity to build on their home advantage. Despite spirited bowling and solid batting, they couldn’t close out the game—a recurring theme in their recent ODI performances.