SA Women’s Bold Plan Seals Famous Run Chase Over India Women

The South Africa vs India Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Vizag was supposed to tilt India’s way. Instead, it became one of those unforgettable nights when belief triumphed over pressure.

After a shaky start to their campaign, South Africa looked like a side searching for answers. A heavy loss to England had left their confidence dented. But against New Zealand and now India, something shifted. You could sense it from the first over. The body language was different. The eyes were sharper.

And when Nadine de Klerk walked in with the chase wobbling, there was quiet determination, not panic. What followed was pure grit, she managed an unbeaten 84 from 54 balls that had even Indian fans bowing in respect. That partnership with Chloe Tryon, changed everything.

“It got a bit more tricky when Chloe got out, I knew it was down to me,” de Klerk said after the match. “It’s just belief, really. You fight for every run because you know how much it means.”

Her timing was electric. The placement was even better. Every boundary broke another piece off India’s confidence. And when de Klerk lofted the winning shot over extra cover, South African players sprinted onto the field. No one could stop smiling.

South Africa’s 252-run chase wasn’t just a normal run chase. It was a statement that this team, written off after one bad game, could take on the best. Laura Wolvaardt’s earlier words about “just one of those days” after the England defeat suddenly made perfect sense. She wasn’t wrong.

Coach’s strategy was simple: take the game deep, target seamers late, and back belief over fear. “We knew the last 10 overs were key, if two set batters were in, we’d always have a chance.” And they did. The last ten overs yielded around 80 runs, tearing apart a disciplined Indian attack. Even the usually composed Harmanpreet Kaur looked rattled.

India Women Vs South Africa Women Post Match Summary

India Women                                                               251 (49.5)          Richa Ghosh    94 (77)                                               Chloe Tryon 3/32 (10)                             Pratika Rawal  37 (56)                                               Marizanne Kapp   2/45 (9) Sneh Rana 33 (24)                                   Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/46 (10)

South Africa Women                                                 252/7 (48.5)   Nadine de Klerk    84* (54)                                      Sneh Rana   2/47 (10) Laura Wolvaardt   70 (111)                                       Kranti Goud   2/59 (9) Chloe Tryon       49 (66)                                         Nallapureddy Charani 1/37 (10)

You could feel the energy shift in the stands. The Indian fans who had been drumming all evening went silent for a few overs. That silence said more than words.

It’s funny how sport works. One day you’re struggling for rhythm. Next, you’re rewriting your story.

The South Africa women’s cricket team now sits just behind Australia and England. Their semi-final hopes are alive again, and the dressing room atmosphere is calm at the moment. 

The Proteas will next face Bangladesh, a team they can’t afford to underestimate. If belief really is their new weapon, that match could seal their destiny.