In a nail-biting encounter at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, South Africa edged past Bangladesh by three wickets to secure a crucial win in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Chasing a competitive total of 233, the Proteas rode on Chloe Tryon’s match-winning 62 and a late surge from Nadine de Klerk to clinch victory with just three balls to spare.
Bangladesh post competitive 232/6 after opting to bat
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and posted a solid 232/6 in 50 overs, thanks to valuable contributions throughout their top and middle order. Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with a well-paced 50 off 77 balls, featuring six boundaries, while Shorna Akter’s explosive 51 off just 35 deliveries gave the innings a much-needed late flourish.
Bangladesh’s start, however, was cautious. Openers Rubya Haider (25) and Fargana Hoque (30) faced a disciplined South African attack led by Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas, who maintained tight lines despite going wicketless. Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) kept the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs before Shorna Akter unleashed a flurry of boundaries to take Bangladesh past the 230-mark.
Among the South African bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout, claiming 2 for 42 from her full quota. Nadine de Klerk (1/39) and Chloe Tryon (1/41) provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, ensuring the target didn’t spiral out of reach.
Chloe Tryon and Marizzane Kapp anchor South Africa’s chase
South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start when Tazmin Brits fell for a golden duck in the very first over. Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Anneke Bosch (28) stabilized the innings with a brisk 55-run stand before Bangladesh struck back with quick wickets, reducing the Proteas to 78/5.
At that stage, Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) joined Chloe Tryon (62 off 69), and the experienced duo stitched together a game-changing 95-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kapp played the anchor’s role to perfection, while Tryon combined aggression and composure, striking six fours and a towering six to turn the tide in South Africa’s favour.
After Kapp’s dismissal, Bangladesh briefly clawed back with Nahida Akter (2/44) and Ritu Moni (1/29) tightening the screws. But Nadine de Klerk’s quickfire 37 not out off 29 balls, laced with four fours and a six, sealed the chase in dramatic fashion, guiding South Africa to 235/7 in 49.3 overs.
Third consecutive win for South Africa 🙂#cricket #CWC25 #SAvBAN #ODI pic.twitter.com/8KD7oksgZP
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 13, 2025
Bangladesh’s bowlers put up a spirited fight, with Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan leading the attack. Despite their efforts, crucial partnerships from South Africa’s middle order proved decisive. Ritu Moni’s economical spell (1/29 in 10 overs) stood out, keeping the game alive till the final over.
Player of the Match
For her all-round brilliance and a match-defining 62 off 69 balls, Chloe Tryon was named Player of the Match. Her composed innings under pressure showcased her maturity and finishing prowess, lifting South Africa to their third win of the tournament.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
