De Klerk smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls, guiding the Proteas home in their chase of 252 and sealing a third World Cup win over India.

It seemed unlikely when India reduced South Africa to 81/5 inside the first 20 overs, but brilliant knocks from captain Laura Wolvaardt with 70, 49 by Chloé Tryon, and De Klerk helped complete a thrilling run chase in Visakhapatnam.

Nadine de Klerk scored a stunning 84* and took two wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

India appeared well-placed to win after setting a target of 252, with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh top-scoring with 94. The hosts were cruising at 83/2 before a flurry of wickets saw them stumble to 153/7 after 40 overs. 

Ghosh’s explosive hitting with eleven fours and four sixes eventually lifted India to 251 all out in 49.5 overs. Tryon was the pick of the South African bowlers, returning figures of 3/32 from ten overs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Marizanne Kapp, and De Klerk chipped in with two wickets each.

South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start as Tazmin Brits fell for a duck, caught and bowled by Kranti Gaud in the third over with the score on six. Suné Luus followed soon after for five, while Kapp with 20 and Anneke Bosch with one were also dismissed cheaply within the first 15 overs.

When Wolvaardt was dismissed in the 36th over with the score on 142/6, it looked like the game was gone for South Africa. But a 69-run stand between Tryon and De Klerk turned the tide. With 4.1 overs remaining and 41 runs needed, De Klerk unleashed a breathtaking assault.

In a 41-run partnership with seamer Ayabonga Khaka, De Klerk scored 38 of those runs, finishing the game in style – smashing a stunning six to seal victory with eight balls to spare.

Reflecting on the win, De Klerk said the plan between her and Tryon was simple to take the game as deep as possible.

Chloe Tryon more than played her part with 49 runs and three wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

“When Chloé and I were batting together, we just said we wanted to take it deep. We knew if the two of us were still there towards the end, we could back ourselves to get ten an over in the last few overs,” said the fiery all-rounder.

“It was about staying positive, being smart, and keeping their bowlers under pressure.”

She also credited her hockey background for helping her find gaps on the field – though she was modest about her skills.

The Proteas celebrate the wicket of the dangerous Jemimah Rodrigues for a duck. Photo: Cricinfo

“I was never that good at hockey. But it helps you hit those awkward gaps where there aren’t any fielders. I’ve always been an aggressive batter, and today was just about keeping it simple – backing myself, timing the ball, and using the pace.”

After an emotional night in Visakhapatnam, the Proteas now enjoy a brief break before returning to action on Monday, when they face Bangladesh in the same city.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg