South Africa defeated India by seven wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup.
Chasing a target of 251, South Africa had slipped to 81-5 and looked destined for a second defeat. However, Nadine de Klerk turned the match around with an incredible performance.
She scored 84 runs off 54 balls, dismantling the Indian bowling attack with ease.
Team captain Laura Wolvaardt also played a key role in the recovery, scoring 70 runs off 111 balls.
India had the upper hand for much of the match. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh had rescued her team from 102-6 with a brilliant innings of 94 runs off 77 balls.
However, even her outstanding effort proved no match for De Klerk’s powerful hitting.
With this result, South Africa leveled on points with India. For a team that had started the tournament with relatively tough matches, this victory could represent a positive turning point.
After their heavy defeat to England earlier in the tournament, team morale had been significantly affected.
Defeating one of the tournament’s strongest teams in India provided them with a huge confidence boost.
India 251 (49.5 overs): Ghosh 94 (77); Tryon 3-32
South Africa 252-7 (48.5 overs): De Klerk 84* (54), Wolvaardt 70 (111)
South Africa won by three wickets