By narenchoudhary6747@gmail.com 
Hyderabad: The Women’s World Cup 2025 continued to deliver unforgettable encounters as South Africa edged out Bangladesh by three wickets in a nail-biting league stage match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad. Despite a spirited performance from the young Bangladesh side, Nadine de Klerk once again proved her mettle as a reliable finisher, steering South Africa to victory in the final over of an enthralling contest.
This game had everything — drama, records, and emotional moments — as Bangladesh came agonizingly close to pulling off an upset. The match not only showcased Shorna Akter’s record-breaking fifty but also underlined South Africa’s growing momentum in the tournament as they strengthened their position in the top half of the points table.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty made her intentions clear — she wanted her team to set a defendable total rather than chase under pressure. The decision paid off initially, as openers Sharmin Akter and Fargana Hoque provided a steady start, ensuring that the Proteas bowlers did not make early inroads.Sharmin played a composed knock of 50 off 77 balls, holding one end and rotating the strike effectively. Her innings laid the foundation for a strong finish later in the innings Nadine de Klerk. However, wickets in the middle overs slowed Bangladesh’s progress as the South African bowlers kept things tight.Enter Shorna Akter, the 18-year-old sensation who once again displayed why she is considered one of the brightest young talents in world cricket. Walking in at a crucial juncture, Shorna immediately went on the offensive, smashing boundaries all around the park. Her quickfire 51 not out from just 34 balls gave Bangladesh the much-needed push in the death overs.
Shorna’s innings was a mixture of clean hitting and fearless intent. She hit three sixes — the most by a Bangladesh batter in Women’s ODIs — surpassing the previous record held by her captain, Nigar Sultana. Her innings also broke another record — the fastest fifty by a Bangladeshi woman in ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 34 balls, eclipsing Nigar’s previous best of 39 deliveries against Pakistan earlier this year.
Thanks to Shorna’s late fireworks, Bangladesh added 57 runs in the final five overs, finishing at 232/6 — a total that gave them real hope of challenging the Proteas.
Chasing 233 was not expected to be easy on a pitch that offered variable bounce and some grip for the spinners. Bangladesh made a dream start when Nahida Akter dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck in just the second over, giving the Tigresses early momentum.
Soon after, a horrible mix-up between Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Anneke Bosch (28) resulted in a run-out that completely disrupted South Africa’s rhythm. From a comfortable 58/1, South Africa slipped to 78/5, with Bangladesh’s bowlers — especially Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun — applying relentless pressure.At that moment, the match seemed to be tilting heavily in Bangladesh’s favor. The fielders were energetic, the bowlers were consistent, and every run was being fought for fiercely. But as so often happens in cricket, one partnership changed everything.
Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and aggressive middle-order batter Chloe Tryon joined hands for what turned out to be the game-defining partnership. The duo combined patience with power, adding 85 crucial runs for the sixth wicket and turning the match on its head.Kapp’s experience shone through as she guided the chase calmly, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. She brought up a well-earned 56 off 71 balls, playing the perfect anchor role.At the other end, Chloe Tryon unleashed her trademark aggressive strokes, smashing 62 runs off 69 deliveries. Her innings included a flurry of boundaries and a crucial six that helped South Africa regain control.
However, Bangladesh did not give up. Tryon was run out in the 45th over, and suddenly the game was wide open again, with South Africa still needing 35 runs to win.
With the match delicately poised, South Africa turned once again to their finisher — Nadine de Klerk. The young all-rounder, who had sealed victory with a last-ball six against India earlier in the tournament, showcased nerves of steel once more.
De Klerk played smartly, finding singles, putting away loose balls, and refusing to panic even as the required run rate climbed. Bangladesh had one last golden chance to turn the tide when Shorna Akter dropped a catch off De Klerk in the 49th over — a moment that would haunt them later.
In the final over, with four runs needed off four balls, De Klerk finished the match in the most emphatic fashion, smashing Nahida Akter’s delivery for a massive six over midwicket. Her unbeaten 37 off 29 balls sealed a stunning victory for South Africa with three balls to spare.
The South African dugout erupted in joy, while the Bangladesh players stood motionless, their faces reflecting the agony of a game that had slipped through their fingers.
The match turned out to be a record-breaking one in many ways. The total of 467 runs scored between the two sides (Bangladesh 232/6 and South Africa 235/7) was the highest aggregate ever recorded in a Women’s ODI between these two nations.It was also one of the closest finishes of the tournament, with the match swinging back and forth till the very end. Bangladesh’s spirited effort once again highlighted their growth as a competitive side in women’s cricket, while South Africa’s composure under pressure underscored their credentials as serious title contenders.
While the fielding errors cost them dearly, Bangladesh’s bowling attack deserves credit for keeping the match alive till the last over. Nahida Akter was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/44 in 9.3 overs, maintaining excellent control despite the dew making the ball difficult to grip.Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Ritu Moni also chipped in with a wicket apiece, but the lack of support in the field and a few missed opportunities turned the tide in South Africa’s favor.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty, though disappointed with the result, lauded her team’s effort. “I’m really proud of the way my girls fought till the last ball,” she said. “Yes, we dropped some catches, but these are learning experiences. We are improving with every game, and our young players like Shorna are showing great promise.”
South Africa Strengthen Their Semifinal Push
With this victory, South Africa continued their strong run in the tournament, now sitting comfortably in third place on the points table with three wins and one loss. Their consistent performances against top teams like India, New Zealand, and now Bangladesh have made them serious contenders for a semifinal berth.Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised her team’s resilience. “We were under a lot of pressure at 78 for five, but the way Kapp, Tryon, and De Klerk handled the situation was outstanding. This was a true test of character,” she said.
South Africa will next face Sri Lanka, and a win there could all but seal their spot in the top four.
Despite the heartbreak, Bangladesh can hold their heads high. They showed courage, intent, and a fighting spirit that earned them respect from fans and opponents alike Nadine de Klerk. Their young stars — Shorna Akter in particular — continue to shine brightly, promising a bright future for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
As they prepare for their next clash against defending champions Australia, the Tigresses will be eager to turn close games into victories. The lessons from Hyderabad will stay with them — lessons about composure, fielding under pressure, and the importance of seizing key moments.
Bangladesh: 232/6 (50 overs)
– Shorna Akter 51* (34), Sharmin Akter 50 (77), Nigar Sultana 32 (38)
– Marizanne Kapp 2/38, Ayabonga Khaka 1/40
South Africa: 235/7 (49.3 overs)
– Chloe Tryon 62 (69), Marizanne Kapp 56 (71), Nadine de Klerk 37* (29)
– Nahida Akter 2/44, Rabeya Khan 1/35
Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk
In the end, South Africa celebrated another hard-fought win, while Bangladesh walked away with pride and pain in equal measure. The Tigresses may have lost the match, but their fearless approach and record-breaking performances showed the world that they are no longer just participants — they are competitors.