The India Women vs South Africa Women World Cup 2025 clash in Visakhapatnam delivered one of the most nail-biting finishes of the tournament, ending in a stunning three-wicket victory for the Proteas. This loss marks the first defeat for the Indian team in their campaign, coming despite a sensational, record-breaking knock by wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.
The highly-anticipated IND W vs SA W encounter was a tale of two brilliant lower-order innings. India, having dramatically collapsed from a comfortable position, was rescued by an explosive partnership, only for South Africa to pull off a sensational chase orchestrated by one player.
Here are the key takeaways from the thrilling India vs South Africa Women match:
- Richa Ghosh smashed a historic 94 off 77 balls at No. 8, rescuing India from a disastrous 102/6 to a competitive total of 251.
- Nadine de Klerk countered with an equally explosive 84 not out off 54 balls, securing the win for South Africa with seven balls to spare.
- India captain Harmanpreet Kaur openly criticised her team’s top order for failing to “take responsibility” and bat longer.
Top Order Fails to Fire: Harmanpreet’s Harsh Words
The biggest concern for the host nation was the continuation of a worrying trend: the failure of the top order to build substantial innings. After openers Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (37) provided a decent start with a 55-run partnership, the middle-order batting unit crumbled.
Losing five wickets for just 47 runs saw the India women’s national cricket team slump to a precarious 102/6. Star batters like Jemimah Rodrigues (who registered her second duck in three innings) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur herself failed to make a mark, falling cheaply.
In the post-match presentation, Harmanpreet Kaur did not hold back. “We didn’t take the responsibility as a top order,” she stated bluntly. “We have to change things. We have to get good totals.” Her frustration was palpable, signaling a need for an urgent team meeting to address the repeated collapses that have plagued the team in the initial phase of the World Cup. The Indian skipper was, however, quick to praise the performance of the lower order.
The Richa Ghosh Show: A Historic Rescue Act
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Just when it seemed the IND W vs SA W match was heading for an early finish, Richa Ghosh strode to the crease and unleashed one of the most powerful and mature innings of her career. Coming in at No. 8, she formed crucial partnerships with Amanjot Kaur and later with Sneh Rana (33 runs).
Ghosh’s knock of 94 off 77 balls was laced with 11 fours and 4 sixes, and it became the highest-ever score by a batter at No. 8 or lower in Women’s ODI history. Her aggressive counter-attack ensured the India women side posted a respectable and defendable total of 251 on a pitch that was offering true bounce. She fell just six runs short of a well-deserved century in the final over, a moment of high drama that briefly gave India the momentum.
Nadine de Klerk’s Late Blitz Stuns India
Chasing 252, the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team also struggled at various points, particularly after losing a few early wickets to Kranti Gaud and Amanjot Kaur. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (70) provided the anchor, but the match appeared to tilt back in India’s favour after Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma picked up crucial wickets.
With the required rate soaring and the Proteas seven down, it was the turn of South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk to play the innings of a lifetime. De Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls was a masterclass in calculated hitting and composure under immense pressure.
She targeted India’s young bowlers, smashing five massive sixes and eight boundaries. The decisive moment came in the final few overs when she launched a brutal assault, turning a tight equation into a comfortable finish. Her efforts, particularly the ability to score 39 runs in the last three overs needed, meant Richa Ghosh’s valiant 94 went in vain, handing South Africa a memorable three-wicket victory. This spectacular contest once again proves that India Women vs South Africa Women matches are always thrilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was the Player of the Match in the India Women vs South Africa Women World Cup 2025 match?
A. Nadine de Klerk of South Africa was named the Player of the Match for her extraordinary match-winning unbeaten knock of 84 runs off just 54 balls.
Q2. What was Richa Ghosh’s record in the IND W vs SA W match?
A. Richa Ghosh’s innings of 94 became the highest-ever score by a batter batting at No. 8 or lower in the history of Women’s One Day International (WODI) cricket.
Q3. What did Harmanpreet Kaur say about the top order?
A. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was openly critical of the team’s batting, stating that the top order “didn’t take the responsibility” to score big totals and that the team needs to fix this mistake immediately for future matches.
Q4. What was the final scorecard of the India vs South Africa Women match?
A. India Women scored 251 All Out (Richa Ghosh 94, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3/32). South Africa Women successfully chased the target, scoring 252/7 in 48.5 overs (Nadine de Klerk 84*, Laura Wolvaardt 70; Sneh Rana 2/47), winning by three wickets.
The India women’s national cricket team must now quickly regroup and address the batting frailties exposed in the IND vs SA Women game before they face the formidable Australian side. The spectacular rescue acts by Richa Ghosh have papered over cracks, but a World Cup is often won by consistent top-order performances.
Will Harmanpreet’s strong message be the wake-up call the team needs to truly fire on all cylinders?
Source Article Credit: The Times of India, Cricbuzz, and ICC-Cricket.
External Links for Authority
For more context on the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and official match statistics, please visit:
- Official Match Highlights – ICC Cricket (Authority link for the tournament)
- World Cricket News – BBC Sport (Authority link for global cricket news)
- WODI Match Scorecards – ESPNcricinfo (Authority link for cricket stats and scores)