In a thrilling encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 9, 2025, South Africa Women edged out India Women by three wickets in the 10th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. India set a challenging target of 252 runs, thanks to a brilliant counterattacking innings from Richa Ghosh, who scored a fiery 94. However, it was South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk who shone the brightest with the bat, steering her team to a memorable victory with an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Proteas fans and solidifying South Africa’s credentials in the tournament.
Nadine de Klerk steals the show against India
De Klerk played a sensational game, which became the highlight of South Africa’s thrilling chase. After South Africa lost early wickets and found themselves struggling at 81/5, De Klerk’s fearless approach was crucial in the middle and late overs. Entering at a critical juncture, she combined power and precision, bringing up her half-century in just 40 balls, including five fours and two towering sixes. Her aggressive yet composed innings kept the opposition bowlers under continuous pressure. De Klerk’s unbeaten 84 not only rescued her team from a precarious position but also propelled them closer to the target with confidence and finesse, culminating in South Africa reaching 252/7 in 48.5 overs with seven balls to spare.
South Africa clinches a tense Women’s World Cup win against India
India’s innings had its ups and downs. The Indian top order showed promise but could not capitalize fully as wickets tumbled at crucial moments. Ghosh’s explosive 94 off 77 balls became the backbone of India’s innings after the side had slumped to 102/6. She forged vital partnerships, especially an 88-run stand with Sneh Rana, helping India to post a total of 251. However, the rest of the batting struggled to build momentum against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack, which included three wickets from Chloe Tryon and two each from De Klerk and Marizanne Kapp.
Defending 252, India started well by picking two early wickets, applying pressure on South Africa initially. But the Proteas demonstrated resilience with Laura Wolvaardt’s steady 70 and crucial contributions in the middle order. Despite losing wickets regularly, the South African batter, led by de Klerk, chased down the total steadily. Key dismissals such as Wolvaardt’s and Tryon’s could not stem the tide as De Klerk’s masterclass ensured the Proteas secured a last-over victory in a rollercoaster chase that delighted fans
Here’s how fans reacted:
Nadine de Klerk, you absolute legend!
Finishes it in style and takes South Africa home by 3 wickets in a nail-biting finish!
Champion. 🇿🇦#NadineDeKlerk #INDWvSAW#INDvsSA #viral #ICCWomensWorldCup2025#INDvsSA #WomenInBlue pic.twitter.com/aEZftQrfm2
— Manoj Yadav (@Manoj_Yadav_8) October 9, 2025
Appreciation tweet for Nadine De Klerk. When SA were 142/6, she came and chased 252. Under pressure. Against all odds.
She is that girl 🔥 pic.twitter.com/q0YynoPFd7— Devjani (@KenwayAndBeyond) October 9, 2025
A Rescue fifty from the skipper and a hard-hitting by Nadine De Klerk ensured the victory for South Africa🔥#INDvSA #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/Fs3uoK70Ut
— Cric_empire (@Cric_empire_) October 9, 2025
NADINE DE KLERK – 84*(54) 🤯
– She came to bat when South Africa were 142/6 and played one of the Craziest Innings ever.#INDWvSAW #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/i2YgOq7Vju
— 100rav (@100rav63) October 9, 2025
What an onslaught by Nadine de Klerk! 🫡South Africa needed 60 off 36 even the men’s team would’ve struggled to chase that. But De Klerk pulled off a miracle. Heartbreak for India and some serious questions for the Indian women’s team. #INDWvSAW #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/is1WRPuf48
— 100rav (@100rav63) October 9, 2025
Nadine de Klerk’s stunning innings guided South Africa to a thrilling victory over India.
She’s earned the POTM award for her exceptional performance #CWC25 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/bCaDh95yT3
— Arshit Yadav (@imArshit) October 9, 2025
Nadine De Klerk was simply outstanding keeping the chase alive after losing her skipper.
84 off 54 chasing under tough conditions.
Beth Mooney to Richa Ghosh and De Klerk showing that women’s cricket is bleeding health and character.🫡💯#INDWvSAW pic.twitter.com/nGlxHk8FFP— is yashasvi jaiswal playing? (@kadaipaneer_) October 9, 2025
Well-deserved victory for South Africa! What a player, Nadine de Klerk 🔥❤#nadinedeclerk #declerk #INDvsSA #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/KyU7eFGchh
— Surya Vanshi II (@Surya_Vanshi_II) October 9, 2025
That was one of the greatest ODI innings ever well played Nadine de Klerk our hero 😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0oBNdgUQEt
— Clibo One (@Clibo01) October 9, 2025
SOUTH AFRICA BEAT INDIA IN THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP.
– First defeat for India in this World Cup. pic.twitter.com/EYGiZYlpPA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2025
2️⃣ wickets
8️⃣4️⃣ runs
Nadine de Klerk bags the Player of the Match 💪#CWC25 #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/DvZcXOUfkZ— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 9, 2025
Also WATCH: Deepti Sharma takes a sensational catch to get rid of Anneke Bosch during IND-W vs SA-W clash
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
