KKR Fall Short in Just 4 Runs

Nadine de Klerk’s Blazing 84 Dashes India’s Hopes as South Africa Women Seal Last-Over World Cup Thriller

In a dramatic World Cup showdown, Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls led South Africa Women to a stunning 3-wicket victory over India Women, who failed to defend 251 despite Richa Ghosh's stellar 94.

Visakhapatnam, October 9 (ICC Women’s World Cup 2025): In a high-voltage contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, South Africa Women pulled off a breathtaking chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets, with Nadine de Klerk emerging as the undisputed hero of the match.

The venue was electric at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, where India, after losing the toss, posted a respectable total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs - thanks largely to a powerful counterattack by Richa Ghosh, who scored a brilliant 94 off 77 balls under pressure.

India’s Innings: Richa Ghosh Rises Amid Collapse

India’s top and middle order faltered under tight bowling from the Proteas. Pratika Rawal (37 off 56) and Smriti Mandhana (23 off 32) provided a cautious start, but a flurry of wickets saw India fall to 139/7.

Then came the fightback. Richa Ghosh, with a fearless display of strokeplay, found support from Sneh Rana (33 off 24) and pushed the total past 250. The duo’s aggressive intent breathed life into India’s innings after a sluggish middle phase.

But would it be enough?

South Africa’s Chase: Drama, Collapse & Nadine’s Magic

South Africa’s reply got off to a nightmare start. Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus departed cheaply, and India’s bowlers looked to be in control. When Chloe Tryon was dismissed for 49 and the score read 180/7, the match looked firmly in India’s hands.

Enter Nadine de Klerk.

With calmness that belied the pressure of a World Cup game, de Klerk took charge. She smashed a stunning 84 off just 54 balls*, including 8 boundaries and 5 towering sixes. Her clean hitting and smart strike rotation turned the tide.

India’s bowlers had no answers. The final six overs, which needed to be tight, turned into a nightmare. De Klerk picked gaps, cleared ropes, and silenced the crowd, finishing the chase in 48.5 overs.

Key Stats & Highlights:

India Women:

• Richa Ghosh – 94 (77), 11 fours, 4 sixes

• Sneh Rana – 33 (24), 2/47

• Kranti Gaud – 2/59

• Jemimah, Harmanpreet, Deepti – Out cheaply under pressure

South Africa Women:

• Nadine de Klerk – 84* (54), 5 sixes, 8 fours (Player of the Match)

• Laura Wolvaardt – 70 (111), set the platform

• Chloe Tryon – 49 (66) with the bat, 3/32 with the ball

Where India Lost It:

Despite having the upper hand, India’s death bowling unravelled. With over 50 runs needed off the last 6 overs, the match was within India’s grasp. But loose bowling, poor field placements, and lack of control under pressure allowed de Klerk to dominate.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be left wondering how a nearly-won match slipped away.

Match Summary:

• Result: South Africa Women won by 3 wickets

• Venue: Visakhapatnam

• Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk (84* off 54 & match-winning chase)

  

  Image credit-latestly

  
  

Next Fixture - Match 11:

New Zealand Women vs Bangladesh Women

October 10, 2025

Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

3:00 PM IST | 9:30 AM GMT

Stay tuned for more World Cup thrillers as the tournament heats up!

(source-cricbuzz)



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