Nadine de Klerk's Heroics Propel South Africa Past India in Women's World Cup Clash

A Thrilling Encounter in Visakhapatnam

In a remarkable display of skill, Nadine de Klerk led South Africa to a stunning three-wicket victory over India in Visakhapatnam, shaking up the ICC Women’s World Cup standings. This match was particularly memorable for the number eight batters, as Nadine's performance overshadowed a powerful innings from Indian wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.

With this victory, South Africa climbed to fourth place in the rankings, while India dropped to third. Nadine's impressive innings made her the second-highest run-scorer at number eight or lower in women's ODIs, just behind Richa, with both records established during this match.

Chasing a target of 252, Nadine scored an unbeaten 84 runs off just 54 balls, featuring eight fours and five sixes, which was pivotal in securing India's first loss of the tournament. Coming in at a precarious 142 for 6, she partnered with Chloe Tryon (49) to form a crucial 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Earlier, Richa Ghosh had set a record with her 94 runs off 77 balls, marking the highest score by a number eight batter in Women’s ODI World Cup history.

South Africa's Resilient Chase

After losing half their team for less than 100 runs, South Africa found hope through captain Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 70 runs and laid a solid foundation for the chase. Indian pacer Kranti Gaud made an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Tazmin Brits for a duck, while other key players like Marizanne Kapp (20) and Sune Luus (5) struggled, leaving the team at 81 for 5.

Laura's partnership with Chloe Tryon helped stabilize the innings, adding 51 runs for the sixth wicket. Despite Kranti breaking their stand, Nadine and Chloe took charge, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur trying six different bowlers to stop their momentum, but to no avail.

Richa Ghosh's Standout Performance

Earlier in the match, Richa Ghosh played a crucial role in salvaging India's innings after a dismal start, where the team found itself at 102 for 6. Her aggressive batting ensured India reached a competitive total of 251. This marked the third time in the tournament that the Indian middle order contributed significantly.

In her previous match against Pakistan, Richa had scored 35 runs off 20 balls, showcasing her ability to provide a late boost. She now holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty by an Indian, achieved in just 26 balls. Despite being dropped twice during her innings, she narrowly missed out on a century after being caught off a full toss.

Record-Breaking Day for Richa

With her score of 94, Richa Ghosh became only the second Indian woman wicketkeeper to surpass 1,000 ODI runs, following Anju Jain. She now holds the world record for the highest individual ODI score by a batter at number eight or lower, surpassing Chloe Tryon’s previous record of 74. Richa is also the 12th Indian woman to reach the 1,000-run milestone in ODIs, achieving this feat in record time, making her the fastest Indian and the third fastest overall.

Across 44 ODIs, Richa has hit 30 sixes, ranking behind only Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur in terms of sixes hit by Indian women.

Celebrating Richa Ghosh Richa Ghosh celebrates her half century. Media House