By narenchoudhary6747@gmail.com 
South Africa’s campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 continues to gather momentum, with another dramatic victory, this time a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in Vizag. The match went down to the wire before Nadine de Klerk once again showcased her composure under pressure, sealing the game with a match-winning six — her second such finish in consecutive games.
Just a few days ago, De Klerk produced a stunning innings of 84* off 54 balls to pull off a remarkable comeback against India, ending that game with a towering six. On Monday, she was back at it again. With South Africa wobbling at 78–5 while chasing 233, it seemed Bangladesh were on the brink of a famous victory. But De Klerk (37* off 29) held her nerve.
The turning point came in the penultimate over when Shorna Akter, the young Bangladeshi star, dropped a crucial catch off De Klerk with just nine runs needed. That reprieve proved fatal. With three balls left in the 50th over, De Klerk launched a powerful six over mid-wicket, sealing South Africa’s third consecutive win and sparking jubilation in the Proteas camp.
Before De Klerk’s finishing touch, it was Chloe Tryon who had reignited South Africa’s chase with a counterattacking innings of 62 off 69 balls. Her innings was not without luck — she was dropped on 46, and the ball rolled away for four runs. That mistake cost Bangladesh dearly as Tryon followed up with a swept six and a boundary in the same over, taking 16 runs off it and shifting the pressure back onto the bowlers.
Tryon’s dismissal came via a direct hit in the 45th over, leaving South Africa still needing 35 runs. But her knock, combined with Marizanne Kapp’s steady 56 off 71, had already set the foundation for De Klerk’s heroics. Together, Kapp and Tryon stitched a crucial 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket that kept South Africa alive after a mid-innings collapse.
Despite the loss, Bangladesh can take heart from their fighting performance — though they will rue the missed chances that cost them the game. Earlier, their innings seemed to be crawling along at a modest pace, scoring below four an over for most of the match. But a late blitz from Shorna Akter changed the tone.
The 18-year-old sensation produced a breathtaking unbeaten 51 from 35 balls, lifting Bangladesh from a middling total to a competitive 232–6. Her fearless strokeplay — featuring three sixes and three fours — gave Bangladesh momentum at just the right time. The innings also saw Sharmin Akter Supa play a steady hand with 50 off 77, anchoring one end and ensuring Bangladesh had wickets in hand for the final surge.
The Tigresses added a remarkable 57 runs in the last five overs, and at the halfway stage, they appeared to have the upper hand. But cricket, as always, is a game of small moments — and those dropped catches proved decisive.
For South Africa, the chase began poorly. Opener Tazmin Brits was dismissed for a duck in the second over, caught and bowled by Nahida Akter (2–44), giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough. From there, the Proteas struggled to find rhythm.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt looked composed for her 31 before a disastrous mix-up with Anneke Bosch (28) led to a run-out that completely shifted momentum. From 58–1, South Africa stumbled to 78–5 in quick succession — a collapse of 4–20 that left the dugout anxious. It took the experience of Kapp and the aggression of Tryon to pull them out of the hole.
Despite the early setbacks, South Africa’s lower middle order once again demonstrated resilience. With De Klerk anchoring the finish, they ensured the team completed the chase with three balls to spare.
Bangladesh’s bowlers started strong, maintaining discipline and exploiting South Africa’s cautious batting. Nahida Akter’s flight and accuracy troubled the top order, while Rumana Ahmed and Fahima Khatun kept the scoring rate under check during the middle overs.
However, it was their fielding that let them down at crucial moments. Two dropped catches — first of Tryon and later of De Klerk — turned out to be the defining moments of the contest. Shorna’s dropped catch in the 49th over was especially painful, as it gave De Klerk the lifeline she needed to finish the game in style.
Bangladesh have now suffered three straight defeats following their opening win against Pakistan. Yet, their spirited showing against powerhouses like New Zealand, England, and now South Africa, suggests they are far from being pushovers in this World Cup.
South Africa’s turnaround in the tournament has been remarkable. After being bowled out for just 69 in a humiliating 10-wicket loss to England, questions were raised about their form and confidence. But since then, they have responded emphatically.
The Proteas have now beaten New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh in succession — all while showcasing different aspects of their game. From explosive batting performances to gritty chases, the team seems to have rediscovered its rhythm at just the right time.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt praised her team’s fighting spirit after the match, highlighting De Klerk’s growing maturity and Kapp’s stabilizing influence. “We’ve learned to stay calm under pressure,” Wolvaardt said. “Even when things don’t go our way, there’s always someone stepping up. That’s what great teams do.”
While the defeat stung, Bangladesh’s young stars continued to impress. Shorna Akter’s fearless fifty and aggressive hitting in the final overs demonstrated her immense potential. Her ability to shift gears and find boundaries against a strong South African attack was a bright spot for the Tigresses.
Similarly, Sharmin Akter Supa’s patient half-century showed the maturity needed to anchor the innings. Together, they ensured Bangladesh put up a fighting total — one that nearly proved enough.
Bangladesh coach Nigar Sultana Joty admitted the result was disappointing but remained optimistic. “We played good cricket for most parts,” she said. “We’re improving every game. If we can convert half chances and hold our nerves, results will come.”
With this win, South Africa climb further up the points table and solidify their position as semi-final contenders. Their balance of experience and youth, coupled with De Klerk’s emergence as a reliable match-finisher, makes them one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.
For Bangladesh, this match will go down as a missed opportunity — but also a valuable lesson. They matched South Africa in nearly every department but faltered when it mattered most. With young talents like Shorna Akter shining bright, the future looks promising for them despite the losses.
Bangladesh: 232/6 (50 overs)
– Shorna Akter 51* (35), Sharmin Akter Supa 50 (77)
– Marizanne Kapp 2/38
South Africa: 233/7 (49.3 overs)
– Chloe Tryon 62 (69), Marizanne Kapp 56 (71), Nadine de Klerk 37* (29)
– Nahida Akter 2/44
Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk
South Africa’s three-wicket win over Bangladesh will be remembered as another gripping chapter in the Women’s World Cup 2025. From Shorna Akter’s late fireworks to De Klerk’s fearless finish, the match had everything. drama, tension, and moments of brilliance.
For the Proteas, it’s another step in their redemption arc after a shaky start. For Bangladesh, it’s proof that they can push the best teams to the brink. As the tournament progresses, both sides will take valuable lessons, one about holding composure, and the other about seizing opportunities when they matter most.