In a heart-stopping Women’s World Cup clash, Nadine de Klerk emerged as South Africa’s hero, steering her team to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Monday. Chasing a target of 233, the Proteas found themselves in deep trouble at 78 for five in the 23rd over, their hopes seemingly fading.
However, veteran all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon refused to give up. Kapp, with a resilient 56 runs off 71 balls, and Tryon, smashing a quickfire 62 off just 69 deliveries, ignited a spectacular comeback. Their crucial 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket breathed new life into South Africa’s chase.
De Klerk, showing incredible nerve, capitalised on a dropped catch at long-off in the penultimate over to finish with an unbeaten 37 off a mere 29 balls, including a vital four and a six that sealed the victory with just three balls to spare. This exceptional performance marked yet another match-winning effort from the all-rounder, echoing her standout display against India earlier in the tournament.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was built around a sensational 51 not out from 18-year-old Shorna Akter. After a cautious start, Akter’s explosive hitting propelled her team to a competitive total of 232 for six. Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) had also contributed significantly with a steady 77-run partnership for the third wicket, setting a challenging target for the Proteas.
South Africa’s chase began shakily. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter claimed the early wicket of opener Tazmin Brits for a golden duck, leaving South Africa at a precarious 3/1. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) tried to rebuild with a 55-run stand, but a costly run-out of Wolvaardt opened the floodgates for Bangladesh.
Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan then dismissed Annerie Dercksen, and Fahima Khatun followed up by removing Sinalo Jafta, leaving South Africa reeling at 78 for five. However, the collective brilliance of de Klerk, Kapp, and Tryon ensured that South Africa emerged victorious, showcasing their remarkable resilience and clutch performance under immense pressure.
Bangladesh’s innings saw Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) start cautiously, reaching 50 runs only in the 16th over. Rubya eventually fell to a slog sweep off Chloe Tryon, caught by de Klerk. Fargana was later out lbw to Nonkululeko Mlaba after a review. Despite Sultana and Sharmin Akhter’s efforts to keep the scoreboard ticking with well-struck boundaries, their final surge couldn’t stop South Africa’s determined pursuit.
Ultimately, South Africa’s depth in batting and ability to perform under pressure proved to be the deciding factor, with Nadine de Klerk delivering the perfect finish to one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.