Ghosh’s heroics matched by de Klerk as South Africa stage comeback to beat India by 3 wickets

South Africa staged a remarkable recovery to defeat tournament hosts and favourites India by three wickets in their Women’s World Cup match on Thursday.

At one stage, South Africa appeared to be heading for defeat, but Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 guided them to victory with seven balls to spare, well supported by skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon.

Earlier, Richa Ghosh’s 77-ball 94 powered India to 251 in 49.5 overs after an early batting collapse. However, South Africa’s composed chase ensured they crossed the target.

Chasing 252, South Africa suffered an early collapse and were reeling at 81 for 5. However, Wolvaardt and Tryon steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership, putting the Proteas back in control.

After the skipper's dismissal for 70, de Klerk joined in the middle and ensured South Africa never lost their grip on the chase. Tryon contributed a crucial 49, while de Klerk’s innings included five sixes and eight fours.

Batting first, India made a steady start at 55 for no loss, before the Proteas bowlers triggered a collapse. They ripped through the middle order, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal contributing 23 and 37, respectively. India slumped to 102 for six in 26 overs.

Richa Ghosh, coming in at No 8, held the innings together with her brilliant knock, supported by Sneh Rana, who added 33 down the order. Their partnership helped India recover and post a competitive 252-run target. Tyron was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming three wickets. Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba shared two each. 

With the win, South Africa climbed to fourth place in the points table with four points, while India is at third with the same tally.

Brief Scores:

India: 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Pratika Rawal 37, Richa Ghosh 94, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tyron 3/32).
South Africa: 252 for 7 in 48.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 70, Chloe Tryon 49, Nadine de Klerk 84 not out; Sneh Rana 2/47).