Visakhapatnam: South Africa secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 on Monday, thanks to a heroic cameo by Nadine de Klerk. Chasing a target of 233, the Proteas were left needing eight runs off the final over, and de Klerk capitalised on a reprieve after being dropped in the penultimate over, finishing the chase with a six off the third ball.
The win lifted South Africa to third place on the points table with six points from four matches, marking their third consecutive victory of the tournament. Bangladesh, on the other hand, suffered their third straight defeat, struggling to maintain consistency after an opening win against Pakistan.
South Africa’s recovery and key contributions
After Bangladesh posted 232/6 batting first, South Africa started poorly, losing Tazmin Brits for a duck to Nahida Akter on the very first delivery. Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch rebuilt with a steady 50-run partnership, only for Bangladesh to strike back with three quick wickets, reducing the Proteas to 78/5.
Pivotal innings from Marizanne Kapp (56) and Chloe Tryon (62) revived South Africa’s chances, stitching an 85-run partnership under pressure. Tryon’s all-round performance, including crucial breakthroughs with the ball, kept the Proteas in contention.
In the tense final overs, de Klerk and Masabata Klaas held their nerve, with de Klerk eventually hitting a match-winning six to complete the chase. The victory highlighted South Africa’s resilience under pressure and ability to finish games in high-stakes situations.
Bangladesh’s fightback
For Bangladesh, Nahida Akter (2/44) was the standout bowler, claiming early wickets including that of Brits and Kapp. Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Ritu Moni also chipped in with wickets at crucial moments.
Batting first, Bangladesh were restricted to just 28 runs in the powerplay, but openers Farzana Haque and Rubya Haider provided the side’s highest opening stand of the tournament. Despite a slow start, captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akter (50) rebuilt the innings, guiding Bangladesh past the 100-run mark.
A late flurry from Shorna Akter (51 off 33 balls) and Ritu Moni added 37 runs in the final three overs, pushing the team to a competitive total of 232/6. Shorna’s knock was the fastest half-century of the tournament, featuring three boundaries and three sixes.
Looking ahead
Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, will face defending champions Australia on October 16, aiming to bounce back from successive defeats. Meanwhile, South Africa will take on hosts Sri Lanka on October 15, seeking to maintain their winning momentum and climb further up the table.
The match underscored the thrill of Women’s World Cup cricket, with close finishes and standout individual performances capturing the excitement. South Africa’s ability to handle pressure situations, coupled with Bangladesh’s fighting spirit, made for a nail-biting contest in Visakhapatnam.