South Africa narrowly escapes defeat against Bangladesh in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with a three-wicket win

South Africa defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in the 14th clash of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Chasing a mere 233 total, South Africa were in a spot of bother but later they were rescued by solid half-centuries from Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) and Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71). 

Nadine de Klerk finished proceedings with a six

The clash, which went down to the last over, was finished by Nadine de Klerk smashing a six on the third ball of the last over to take her team over the line. She played an unbeaten 37 off 29 runs to guide the Proteas to a last-over win. 

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Bangladesh managed to score 232 runs

Earlier, after opting to bat, Bangladesh managed to score 232 for 6 in their 50 overs. The start was slow, with openers Fargana Hoque (30) and Rubya Haider (25) taking 16 overs to reach the 50-run mark. The duo added 53 runs for the first wicket before Rubya fell trying to accelerate. Soon after, Fargana was dismissed lbw in a close DRS call.

Skipper Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) and Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) then steadied the innings with a 77-run stand for the third wicket. Both found the gaps and kept the scoreboard ticking before  South Africa shifted the momentum of the game. Young star Shorna Akter again shifted the game in Bangladesh's favour with a 51 off just 35 balls unbeaten cameo. Her late flourish, along with Ritu Moni’s quick 19* off 8 balls, helped Bangladesh reach a respectable total.

South Africa's chase

In reply, South Africa also had their ups and downs. Anneke Bosch contributed 28, but it was the partnership between Tryon and Kapp that put them in a strong position. Bangladesh fought back by picking up five wickets for just 78 runs, keeping the match on a knife-edge.

During the last over when Bangladesh were looking for a win, Nadine de Klerk kept her cool. Her mature knock sealed a nail-biter win for South Africa with just three balls to spare. 

Brief scores:

Bangladesh: 232 for 6 in 50 overs (Shorna Akter 51 not out, Sharmin Akter 50; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/42).

South Africa: 235 for 7 in 49.3 overs (Chloe Tryon 62, Marizanne Kapp 56, Nadine de Klerk 37 not out; Nahida Akter 2/44).