De Klerk’s heroics stun India as SA clinch CWC thriller

All-rounder Nadine de Klerk produced a match-winning masterclass to help South Africa pull off a stunning three-wicket win over India in a gripping ICC Women’s World Cup encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Chasing 252, de Klerk turned the game on its head with a breathtaking 84 not out off 54 balls, guiding the Proteas home with an over to spare after skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s composed fifty had set the platform. The 25-year-old had earlier played her part with the ball, claiming two wickets during India’s innings, to cap off a memorable all-round performance. For Harmanpreet Kaur's side, the defeat was their first of the tournament but served a timely wake-up call, and the team management will hope for an improved show from the top order batting as they gear up for Sunday's marquee clash against defending champions Australia at the same venue.

De Klerk steals the show:

At one stage, South Africa were staring down defeat at 81 for 5, undone by India’s relentless bowling in the powerplay. But Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49) stitched together a 59-run stand to stabilize the innings before Kranti Gaud struck again, bowling the South African captain with a peach that swung back in to uproot her off-stump.