The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed one of its most electrifying clashes as South Africa women defeated india women by 3 wickets in a nail biting encounter at the ACA- VDCA stadium, vishakhapatnam. The contest had everything drama, resilience and world class performances from both sides . Despite a stunning counterattack by Richa Ghosh, South Africa chased down a challenging target with remarkable composure to handle india their first defeat of the tournament
South Africa winning the toss decided to bowl first , India openers gave steady Start of 55 runs partnership Smriti Mandhana 23 off 32 balls and Pratika Rawal 37 off 56 deliveries but couldn’t convert in big scores.
Harleen Deol chipped in with 13 off 23 balls , while Harmanpreet kaur struggled for rhythm , scoring just 9 off 24 balls. The middle order flatered as Jemimah Rodrigues went for a duck and Deepti Sharma added only 4 off 14 , while Amanjot Kaur tried to hold one end but managed only 13 off 44 deliveries , at one stage india 102/6
However, Richa Ghosh turned the tide with a counter attacking innings 94 off 77 balls with the help of 11 fours and 4 , Sneh Rana gave a valuable support with quick 33 off 24 balls while kranti Gaud and Shree Charani fell on duck , Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana 88 runs partnership gave india competitive total 251/10 in 49.5 overs .
South Africa bowling, chole Tryon is pick up the bowler for south africa 3/32 in 10 overs while Marizanne kapp, Nadine De Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba bagged 2 wickets each and Sekhukhune gets 1 wicket.
Chasing 252 , South Africa innings began a shaky notes when Tazmin Brits departed without scoring, Kranti Gaud gave perfect Start for India , Sune Luus managed only 5 , while Marizanne kapp 20 off 25 balls , Anneke Bosch 1 and Sinalo jafta fell 14.
At the stage South Africa 81/5 , however Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with composed 70 off 111 deliveries , ensuring stability amidst early breakthroughs , after her dismissal Chole Tryon took charge, scoring 49 off 46 balls .
But the defining moment came in the final phase of the game when Nadine De Klerk walked in with South Africa needing more than 80 runs . De Klerk unleashed an extraordinary 84 off just 54 balls featuring 8 fours and 5 sixes turning the game on her side , calculated aggression against India spinners and her ability to find boundaries under pressure seal a famous win with seven ball spare.
India bowling, Sneh Rana is stand out bowler for India takes 2/47 in 10 overs also kranti Gaud gets 2 wickets while shree Charani, Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma gets 1 wicket each .