In a dramatic encounter at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, South Africa Women pulled off a stunning 3-wicket victory over India Women in the 10th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Nadine de Klerk played the innings of her life, smashing an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls to steer her side home with one over to spare.
India Set a Challenging Target with Ghosh’s Record Knock
India Women, after opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs. It was wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh who stole the show with an outstanding 94 off 77 balls, the highest individual score at number 8 or below in Women’s ODI World Cup history. She struck 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, single-handedly reviving India’s innings after a middle-order collapse.
India’s start was steady with Pratika Rawal (37) and Smriti Mandhana (23) putting on 55 for the first wicket. But a mid-innings collapse saw India slip to 102/6. A 88-run stand between Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana (33) for the 8th wicket helped India post a respectable total.
India Women Innings Summary
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richa Ghosh | 94 (77) | 11 | 4 |
| Pratika Rawal | 37 (56) | 5 | 0 |
| Sneh Rana | 33 (24) | 6 | 0 |
Top Bowlers – SA-W:
- Chloe Tryon: 3/32
- Marizanne Kapp: 2/45
- Nadine de Klerk: 2/52
South Africa’s Record-Breaking Chase Led by de Klerk
Chasing 252, South Africa were reduced to 142/6 at one stage. But Nadine de Klerk, batting at number 8, held her nerve under pressure and scripted one of the most memorable wins in Women’s World Cup history. Her power-packed 84* included 8 fours and 5 sixes. She was well supported by Chloe Tryon (49) in a crucial 69-run stand for the 7th wicket.
De Klerk then stitched an unbeaten 41-run partnership with Ayabonga Khaka to take her team over the line. South Africa reached the target in 48.5 overs, finishing at 252/7.
South Africa Women Innings Summary
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk* | 84 (54) | 8 | 5 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | 70 (111) | 8 | 0 |
| Chloe Tryon | 49 (66) | 5 | 0 |
Top Bowlers – IND-W:
- Kranti Goud: 2/59
- Sneh Rana: 2/47
- Charani: 1/37
Key Records Broken in the Match
- Most Runs After 5 Wickets Down in Successful Chase (WODIs): 171* – South Africa vs India
- Highest Individual Score at No. 8 or Lower (World Cup): 94 – Richa Ghosh
- Highest Run Chase in World Cup 2025 (So Far): 252/7 – South Africa
- Highest 8th Wicket Partnership for India (WODIs): 88 – Richa Ghosh & Sneh Rana
Captains Speak
Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W Captain):
“Still lost for words. De Klerk was phenomenal. We’ve seen her hitting in the nets, but this knock under pressure was incredible. Richa batted brilliantly too – tough to contain her at the death.”
Harmanpreet Kaur (IND-W Captain):
“Tough game. We collapsed in the middle but Ghosh’s knock brought us back. De Klerk and Tryon batted excellently under pressure. We need to regroup and fix repeated top-order mistakes.”
Player of the Match – Nadine de Klerk
With 84 runs and 2 wickets*, Nadine de Klerk was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match. Her performance not only sealed the win but also set a new benchmark for lower-order finishing in women’s ODIs.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- South Africa Women will carry this momentum into their next fixture against Bangladesh Women at the same venue.
- India Women, after suffering their first defeat, will next face Australia, a crucial encounter in the group stages.
Read more: – IND-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head in ODI
Final Summary
| Match Result | South Africa Women won by 3 wickets (with 7 balls remaining) |
|---|---|
| Venue | ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| Match Date | 9th October 2025 |
| Tournament | ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 |
South Africa’s win over India will be remembered for the grit, power-hitting, and record-breaking partnerships. It not only boosts their World Cup campaign but also proves their depth and character under pressure.
