Nadine de Klerk delivered one of the standout performances of the Women’s World Cup so far, as South Africa stunned the India Women’s Cricket Team with a three-wicket victory comeback. Despite the Proteas collapsing early to 81-5, chasing 252, de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 from just 54 balls powered an outstanding turnaround, silencing a packed home crowd and restructuring the prospects of the Women’s World Cup standings.
Initially, India led strongly, with a fierce spell of bowling. Considering South Africa’s previous defeat to England, a collapse seemed imminent on the cards. However, de Klerk had a different plan, demonstrating both clean hits and composure.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt, who has been under pressure following their recent defeat to England, secured the innings with a measured 70 from 111 balls, maintaining admirable composure even as the wickets crumbled around her. Her team-up with Cloe Tryon carried 61 runs and managed to stabilise the innings just enough to make way for de Klerk. Tryon, with a crucial contribution of 49 off 66 balls, rotated the strike to prevent India from tightening their grip.
However, Tryon’s departure left the game in a precarious situation. However, de Klerk changed course, hitting five sixes, disrupting India’s attack, and forcing fielders to the boundary. With the momentum shifting, de Klerk sealed an emphatic victory with seven balls remaining, stunning India at the rapid turnover.
Earlier in the day, Richa Ghosh had put India in a commanding position with a blistering 94 out of 77 deliveries. Coming in at 102-6 after a collapse of five wickets for just 19 runs, she fought back with clean, fearless shots around the ground. Her innings transformed what looked like a modest total into a defensible score, especially after the lower order failed to offer much resistance. She significantly contributed to what De Klerk would carry forward to ultimately seal the win.
The result means South Africa draws level on points with India in the Women’s World Cup standings, keeping their semifinal hopes very much alive. The Proteas now sit just behind the Australia Women’s Cricket Team and England, having notched back-to-back wins after their earlier struggles.
This victory also completes a remarkable redemption arc. Questions about their mentality and batting depth surfaced after they bowled out for just 69 against England. Wolvaardt said after the match that it was “one of those days,” and the lineup had more to give. That confidence has now been backed by action: two wins in a row, against New Zealand, and now having pulled off one of the tournament’s most thrilling run chases in their match against India.
The table has become extremely open. South Africa sits inside the top four alongside the Australia Women’s Cricket Team, England, and India, raising its prospects greatly. The timing of this resurgence could not be better. With confidence restored, South Africa now has a four-day break before their next game against the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team in Visakhapatnam. A win there would cement their top-four position and strengthen their chances of reaching the top.
