Women’s WC: Nadine steers SA to thrilling win

In a gripping Women’s World Cup encounter, South Africa edged past Bangladesh by three wickets, thanks to a composed and match-winning knock from Nadine de Klerk. Chasing 233, South Africa overcame a mid-innings collapse to seal victory with just three balls remaining.
Bangladesh posted a competitive 232/6 in their 50 overs, anchored by a solid third-wicket partnership between Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42), who added 77 runs.
The innings gained momentum late, courtesy of 18-year-old Shorna Akter’s explosive unbeaten 51 off 35 balls, which lifted the team from a slow start.
Openers Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) were overly cautious, taking 16 overs to reach 50. Rubya’s attempt to accelerate ended in a mistimed slog sweep off Chloe Tryon, caught by de Klerk at mid-on.
Fargana’s dismissal came via a successful lbw review after she missed a paddle sweep against Nonkululeko Mlaba. Sultana responded with aggressive strokeplay, including a boundary through point off Mlaba and another through covers. Sharmin added two boundaries off Masabata Klaas, helping Bangladesh recover.
South Africa’s chase began shakily. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter dismissed Tazmin Brits for a golden duck, caught and bowled with just three runs on the board. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) steadied the innings with a 55-run stand. However, a mix-up led to Wolvaardt’s run out, with both batters stranded mid-pitch. Bosch, seemingly rattled, soon perished slicing Sobhana Mostary to mid-off.
Bangladesh tightened their grip as Rabeya Khan bowled Annerie Dercksen with a turning delivery that clipped the off-stump, and Fahima Khatun dismissed Sinalo Jafta with a leg-break that knocked the top of off-stump. At 78 for five in the 23rd over, South Africa looked in trouble.
Enter Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon, who staged a remarkable recovery with an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Kapp scored 56 off 71 balls, while Tryon added 62 off 69, both playing crucial roles in the chase. Their dismissals brought de Klerk to the crease, who held her nerve under pressure.
Dropped by Shorna Akter at long-off in the penultimate over, de Klerk capitalized on the reprieve, finishing the match with a boundary and a six to remain unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls. Her calm presence and timely strokes ensured South Africa crossed the finish line with three balls to spare.
Dew played a significant role in hampering Bangladesh’s spinners during the second innings, making gripping and turning the ball difficult. Despite their strong bowling unit and early breakthroughs, Bangladesh couldn’t defend their total.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 232/6 in 50 overs (Sharmin Akhter 50, Shorna Akter 51 not out, Nigar Sultana Joty 32, Ritu Moni 19 not out; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-42) lost to South Africa 235/7 in 49.3 overs (Marizanne Kapp 56, Chloe Tryon 62, Nadine de Klerk 37 not out; Nahida Akter 2-44, Ritu Moni 1-29) by three wickets.