South Africa pulled off a thrilling three wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025 on October 13 in Visakhapatnam. Nadine de Klerk hit a crucial six in the final over to seal the win, helping her team chase down 233 runs with three balls left after Bangladesh posted 232 for six.
This match marked South Africas third straight win in the tournament, boosting them to third place with six points from four games. Bangladesh faced their third loss, making their path to the semifinals tougher in this high stakes event.
Bangladesh Sets Competitive Total
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first on a pitch that offered some help to bowlers early on. Openers Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter played key roles, with Sharmin scoring a steady 50 off 77 balls to anchor the innings.
Shorna added a quick 51 off 35 balls, pushing the score forward with aggressive shots. The middle order chipped in, but South Africas bowlers kept things tight.
Fahima Khatun contributed valuable runs lower down, helping Bangladesh reach 232 for six in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp led the bowling attack for South Africa, each taking two wickets to restrict the flow of runs.
The total seemed defendable, especially after Bangladeshs recent form in limited overs cricket. Analysts noted this score was above par for the venue, based on past games here.
South Africas Rocky Start in Chase
South Africa began their chase confidently but lost early wickets that put them under pressure. Tazmin Brits fell for a duck to Nahida Akter in the first over, setting a nervous tone.
Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch built a 50 run partnership to steady the ship. However, Bangladesh struck back with three quick wickets, leaving South Africa at 78 for five and staring at defeat.
Nahida Akter claimed two wickets, while Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Ritu Moni each grabbed one. The spinners exploited the turning track, making scoring tough for the batters.
Despite the setbacks, South Africas depth shone through. This resilience echoed their comeback in a similar chase against England earlier in the tournament.
Kapp and Tryon Lead Fightback
Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon turned the game with an 85 run stand for the sixth wicket. Kapp scored 56, mixing solid defense with timely boundaries.
Tryon blasted 62, including powerful shots that shifted momentum. Their partnership rebuilt the innings from a dire position.
After Kapp departed, Tryon was run out, adding drama. Yet, the duo’s efforts reduced the target to manageable levels.
De Klerk then stepped up, surviving a drop in the penultimate over. She finished with a six off the third ball of the last over, securing the win at 235 for seven.
This partnership highlighted South Africas batting strength, a key factor in their recent successes.
Here are the key batting contributions from South Africa:
- Chloe Tryon: 62 runs off 68 balls, with 5 fours and 2 sixes
- Marizanne Kapp: 56 runs off 72 balls, steadying the middle order
- Nadine de Klerk: Unbeaten 24, including the match winning six
- Laura Wolvaardt: 38 runs, providing a solid start before dismissal
Tense Final Over Drama
The match boiled down to the last over, with South Africa needing eight runs. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana trusted her bowlers to defend it.
De Klerk faced the pressure and delivered. After a dot and a single, she smashed a six over long on to end the game.
Fans in Visakhapatnam erupted as the ball sailed into the stands. This finish added to the tournaments list of close encounters, like Australias recent narrow win over India.
Bangladesh rued missed chances, including dropped catches that proved costly. De Klerks reprieve in the 49th over was pivotal.
Impact on Tournament Standings
South Africas win propelled them to third spot with six points, behind leaders Australia and England. They now have a net run rate of plus 0.45, strengthening their semifinal bid.
Bangladesh sits lower with two points from four matches, needing wins in remaining games to stay alive. Their net run rate of minus 0.72 adds to the challenge.
The tournament has seen upsets, with teams like Sri Lanka surprising stronger sides. South Africa aims to build on this momentum against upcoming opponents.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | +1.25 |
| England | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.95 |
| South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.45 |
| India | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | +0.10 |
| Bangladesh | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -0.72 |
This table shows the current top five standings as of October 14, 2025.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
South Africa will face tougher tests ahead, including a clash with Australia. Their all round performance, blending experience and youth, positions them well.
Bangladesh must regroup quickly. Improving fielding and finishing games could turn their fortunes.
This victory underscores the growing competitiveness in womens cricket, with more nations challenging the top teams.
Share your thoughts on this thrilling match in the comments below. Did de Klerks six surprise you? Follow for more updates on the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025.
