Nadine de Klerk exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, guiding South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup match on Monday.
Chasing a target of 233, all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71 balls) and Chloe Tryon (62 off 69 balls) struck crucial fifties, orchestrating a remarkable recovery after South Africa were struggling at 78 for five in the 23rd over, with an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Ultimately, South Africa achieved the target with three balls remaining.
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: South Africa Vs Bangladesh – Highlights
Following Kapp and Tryon’s dismissals, Nadine de Klerk, dropped by Shorna Akter at long-off in the penultimate over, finished the match with a four and a six,
remaining unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls.
De Klerk also played a match-winning knock against India.
The dew posed challenges for the Bangladesh spinners. Earlier, young Shorna Akter’s rapid 35-ball 51 not out lifted Bangladesh to 232 for six after a slow start.
Before 18-year-old Shorna accelerated the pace, Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77 balls) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) contributed 77 runs for the third wicket to anchor Bangladesh’s innings.
Bangladesh began strongly with their bowling, as left-arm spinner Nahida Akter dismissed Tazmin Brits for a golden duck, catching and bowling the opener with just three runs on the board.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) compiled 55 runs before Bangladesh received a gift in the form of Wolvaardt’s run-out due to a mix-up, leaving both batters stranded in the middle of the pitch.
Wolvaardt eventually crossed Bosch, and Nigar Sultana completed the run-out.
Buoyed by the crucial wicket of the in-form Wolvaardt, Bangladesh capitalised further. Bosch, possibly affected by the run-out, sliced a Sobhana Mostary delivery to mid-off.
Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan bowled Annerie Dercksen with a beautiful delivery that turned slightly to dislodge the off-stump, leaving the batter stunned and Bangladesh in control.
Bangladesh celebrated again as leg-break bowler Fahima Khatun knocked the top of off-stump to end Sinalo Jafta’s innings, reducing South Africa to 78 for five in the 23rd over.
However, de Klerk had other plans and denied Bangladesh victory.
Earlier, openers Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) adopted an overly cautious approach, taking 16 overs to reach 50.
Rubya attempted to break free with a slog sweep against spinner Chloe Tryon but ended up dragging the ball from outside off to de Klerk at mid-on, giving South Africa their first breakthrough.
Bangladesh suffered a significant setback when top batter Fargana was adjudged lbw after attempting to paddle sweep left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Confident that Fargana edged the ball, South Africa appealed for a caught behind decision and reviewed, but the batter was given out lbw as the review showed no contact with the bat or glove and the ball hitting the off-stump.
Nigar Sultana entered and promptly cut Mlaba through point for a four.
Sharmin Akhter hit two boundaries off Masabata Klaas in the next over, while Sultana, taking advantage of an attacking field, rocked back to slap Mlaba through covers for a four.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh: 232 for 6 in 50 overs (Shorna Akter 51 not out, Sharmin Akter 50; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/42).
South Africa: 235 for 7 in 49.3 overs (Chloe Tryon 62, Marizanne Kapp 56, Nadine de Klerk 37 not out; Nahida Akter 2/44).
(With inputs from Agencies)
