On 9th October 2025, the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam witnessed the third consecutive win of South Africa over India. India managed to set a modest target of 251, and South Africa successfully chased it with 252/7 in 48.5 overs. Richa Ghosh’s valiant knock of 94, along with the bowlers’ efforts for damage control, provided some consolation in the face of another defeat against South Africa.
A Curveball for India’s Batting Line-up
South Africa won the toss and decided to send the hosts in to bat first. With a score of 102/6 and a collapse in the top and middle order, the Indian audience clutched their hearts with hope for a miracle. South Africa’s change by bringing Tumi Sekhukhune in place of Masabata Klaas played in their favor, with Sekhukhune dismissing Pratika Rawal at 37 runs, getting an early breakthrough in the team’s confidence. The momentum was further carried by South Africa’s bowlers, with Nonkululeko Mlaba not allowing Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol their anticipated screen time; the duo was sent back to the pavilion shortly after a short contribution of 23 and 13 runs, respectively. With the top order struggling already, the middle order brought no good news either. The skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, struggled to find her rhythm and managed to deposit only 9 runs. Trapped for LBW, Jemimah Rodrigues’s dismissal at 0 certainly got the Indian fans to chant prayers.
When Marizanne Kapp trapped Deepti Sharma for just 4 runs and Chloe Tryon sent Amanjot Kaur back at 13, the Indian fans were desperately hoping for a turnaround — and Richa Ghosh made it happen. With her spectacular and extremely crucial knock of 94 runs, Ghosh stabilized the innings and the dropping heart rates of the fans. With only 4 runs short of her century, Nadine de Klerk took the matter into her own hands and hunted Ghosh’s wicket. However, Ghosh did her part exceptionally well and supported the team’s struggling innings. In the lower batting order, Sneh Rana continued the momentum and gave a small but impactful cameo of 33 runs.
South Africa: A Deadly Bowling Attack Unleashed
A strong bowling attack was unleashed by South Africa, which ensured that India struggled to find its momentum, yet India managed a modest total of 251 all out. With a sharp early wicket, Tumi Sekhukhune left India vulnerable, while Chloe Tryon gave a crucial breakthrough, taking three key wickets in the top and middle order. Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Nonkululeko Mlaba kept the pressure tight, each contributing two wickets and restricting India from scoring their anticipated runs.
South Africa Batting: A Masterclass of Splendid Knocks
South Africa started their chase on a cautious note, knowing India would give their all to defend their score. South Africa lost their early wicket but didn’t let it affect their composure. Nadine de Klerk and skipper Laura Wolvaardt proved to be the backbone of their innings, with the skipper giving a strong start with an impeccable knock of 70 runs and De Klerk later handling the pressure in the lower batting order with her 84 runs, which were lined with crucial sixes and boundaries — including a final hit over deep mid-wicket that helped South Africa secure their third consecutive win against India.
De Klerk’s partnership with Chloe Tryon (49) turned pivotal and helped stabilize the innings after an early setback, which also ensured that South Africa was not distracted from its target.
India Bowling: An Attempt at Redemption
India’s bowlers tried to redeem the batting collapse by creating pressure, with Kranti Goud and Amanjot Kaur picking up the bails and setting up early momentum. Sneh Rana ensured that the scoring rate was kept tight in the middle overs by picking the wicket of Marizanne Kapp. With Kranti Goud taking a crucial wicket of South Africa’s skipper, the audience was given some relief. However, the duo De Klerk and Tryon were relentless and capitalized on anything slightly loose. Amanjot Kaur managed to take a quick wicket of Suné Luus in the top order, but couldn’t maintain the same aggression in the final overs. Kaur’s mistimed delivery was the perfect chance De Klerk was seeking, and she sealed it with her winning six, completing a thrilling chase.
The Third Time Is Also Not the Charm
Despite India’s effort for redemption with the ball, South Africa’s finishing ability and depth in the overall game helped them bag their third win against India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, portraying their growing dominance and rising confidence on the big stage. For India, Richa Ghosh’s clean knock and the attempts made by the bowlers to keep the situation under control deserve praise.