The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed yet another nerve-shredding finale in Visakhapatnam as the South Africa Women’s team somehow managed to clinch a dramatic three-wicket victory over a spirited Bangladesh Women’s side. The Proteas, considered heavy favourites, were pushed to the absolute limit, with the winning runs coming only in the final over, marking their third consecutive win of the tournament. The match was a true testament to the rising competitiveness in women’s cricket, featuring a record-breaking innings, a dramatic collapse, a heroic partnership, and an ice-cool finish.
Bangladesh, having won the toss and elected to bat first, set about constructing a competitive total despite a circumspect start. The early conditions were challenging, with the South African pace attack keeping the scoring rate subdued. Openers Rubya Haider (25) and Fargana Hoque (30) battled through the tough powerplay, laying a cautious foundation. However, their departures left the Tigresses needing urgency. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty (32) combined with Sharmin Akhter, who compiled a solid, anchoring half-century of 50. This period of consolidation saw Bangladesh steady the ship and take the score past the 150-mark.
The real spectacle, however, was reserved for the death overs. At 175 for six after 45 overs, a score nearing 200 looked ambitious, but the 18-year-old sensation Shorna Akter had other ideas. Unleashing an explosive, boundary-laden display of power-hitting, Shorna smashed the fastest half-century of the tournament, reaching the milestone off just 35 balls. Her unbeaten 51, decorated with three fours and three magnificent sixes, alongside a rapid cameo from Ritu Moni (19* off 8), completely transformed the innings. Bangladesh plundered 57 runs off the final five overs, propelling them to a formidable and tournament-highest total of 232 for six. Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/42) was the most successful South African bowler, but the momentum was firmly with the underdogs at the innings break.
The chase began disastrously for South Africa. Nahida Akter struck on her very first ball, trapping the dangerous Tazmin Brits for a golden duck. Although captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch stabilized the innings briefly, an unfortunate mix-up led to Wolvaardt being run out for 31. This wicket triggered a massive collapse, with the disciplined Bangladeshi spinners taking full advantage of the pressure. Four wickets fell for just 20 runs, including Anneke Bosch (28), Annerie Dercksen (2), and Sinalo Jafta (4), leaving the Proteas reeling at a perilous 78 for five.
With their backs against the wall, South Africa needed a monumental effort, and it came from the seasoned duo of Marizanne Kapp and the Player of the Match, Chloe Tryon. Showing immense character and absorbing the relentless pressure from the spinners, the pair initiated a counter-attack. Their 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket was a masterclass in controlled aggression and smart running. They played the ball into the gaps, punished any loose deliveries, and kept the required run rate in check. Kapp brought up a crucial half-century (56 off 71) before falling to Nahida Akter’s spin, finally breaking the partnership and reigniting Bangladesh’s hopes.
The match entered its climax when Tryon, having reached her own gritty fifty, was dropped at a crucial moment—a fielding lapse Bangladesh would come to regret. She was eventually run out for a match-defining 62 (off 69) by a sharp throw from Ritu Moni, leaving 35 runs still required with the tail exposed and the game hanging in the balance.
However, Nadine de Klerk, who has emerged as a reliable finisher for the Proteas, held her nerve in the tense final overs. Supported by Masabata Klaas, De Klerk calmly whittled down the target, finding boundaries just when the pressure peaked. With eight runs needed off the final over bowled by Nahida Akter, De Klerk was unflappable. She first hit a boundary to ease the pressure, before sealing the three-wicket victory in emphatic style, launching a towering six over the boundary with three balls remaining. The finish secured South Africa’s position near the top of the points table, while Bangladesh were left heartbroken but proud of their fighting spirit in a contest that showcased the best of the ICC Women’s World Cup. Player of the Match honours rightly went to Chloe Tryon for her outstanding all-round display.
