South Africa Women defeated Bangladesh Women by three wickets in a close encounter in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at Visakhapatnam. After a slow start, Bangladesh posted 232/6 in 50 overs. Sharmin Akhter played a composed innings, while Shorna Akter’s blazing unbeaten half-century helped Bangladesh reach a fighting total. Nonkululeko Mlaba led the South African bowling attack with figures of 2/42 in 10 overs, while Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon took one wicket each.

During the chase, Nahida Akter and Ritu Moni kept the pressure on South Africa, but Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon brought the team closer to the target. For the second consecutive match, Nadine de Klerk emerged as the match-winner for South Africa with an unbeaten 37 off 29 balls. Her composed yet fortunate innings helped South Africa overcome a spirited Bangladesh side by three wickets with just three balls to spare. The result mirrored South Africa’s previous victory over India on the same ground but came after a much tighter contest.

Bangladesh’s strong start and late fireworks

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana chose to bat first after winning the toss under cloudy skies, aiming to put pressure on South Africa with runs on the board. Her team started cautiously, as each of the top four batters crossed 25 runs. Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with 50 from 77 balls.

However, the first 30 overs were slow and defensive. Bangladesh managed only 126 dot balls during that period, showing their conservative approach. The momentum changed when Nigar fell at 150 for 3, bringing young Shorna Akter to the crease.

Shorna’s arrival transformed the innings. She blasted three fours and three sixes—all over long-on—scoring a rapid 50 from 34 balls, the fastest by a Bangladeshi in women’s ODIs. Her power-hitting, combined with Ritu Moni’s quickfire 19 from eight balls, added 37 runs in the final three overs. Bangladesh ended with 232, far more than expected after their slow start.

Early setbacks for South Africa

Chasing 233, South Africa’s hopes suffered an early blow when Tazmin Brits, who had scored five centuries in 2025, was dismissed for a duck for the second match in a row. Nahida Akter took a sharp caught-and-bowled to remove her.

Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch steadied the innings with a 55-run stand, but Bangladesh hit back quickly. Wolvaardt was run out after a mix-up, and Bosch followed soon after for 28. At 62 for 3, South Africa were in deep trouble.

The slide continued as Annerie Dercksen was beaten by a beautiful delivery from Rabeya Khan, which kissed her off stump. Soon after, Sinalo Jafta was bowled by Fahima Khatun’s skidding topspinner. South Africa had lost four wickets for just 20 runs, collapsing to 78 for 5.

Kapp and Tryon rebuild with patience

With the team struggling, Kapp and Tryon combined for a crucial 62-run partnership. Kapp struck her fifty off 67 balls and lifted the team’s hopes with a powerful six over long-on. But her dismissal for 56 reignited Bangladesh’s chances.

Tryon, however, fought back strongly. She survived a few lucky moments—a missed stumping and a dropped catch—before hitting a six and taking South Africa close to the target. Her knock of 62 from 69 balls was vital in turning the tide.

De Klerk’s calm finish seals the game

After Tryon’s run-out, the game went down to the wire. Masabata Klaas and de Klerk kept their nerve amid mounting pressure. De Klerk hit a boundary through backward square and later capitalized on a no-ball free hit by Fahima.

Even then, the tension wasn’t over. With 11 needed, de Klerk top-edged a full toss, almost getting herself run out. But luck stayed on her side as Shorna Akter dropped a decisive catch at long-off. De Klerk made Bangladesh pay, finishing the chase with a four and a six in the final over.

Brief Scorecard