South Africa Edge Past India in Thrilling Women's World Cup Clash

South Africa secured a dramatic three wicket win over India in their Women's World Cup match at the Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Chasing a target of 252, the visitors completed the chase with seven balls remaining, handing India their first defeat in the tournament.

India started well after being sent in to bat by South Africa. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put together 55 for the first wicket. Mandhana scored 23 and broke the record for most women's ODI runs in a calendar year. However, after her dismissal in the 11th over, India's top and middle order collapsed. The team slipped from 83 for 1 to 102 for 6 with only Richa Ghosh holding firm. Richa fought back by scoring 94 from 77 deliveries including 11 fours and four sixes. She built crucial lower order partnerships, a 51 run stand with Amanjot Kaur and an 88 run partnership with Sneh Rana, who made 33 from 24 balls. India were all out for 251 in 49.5 overs. Chloe Tryon stood out for South Africa with three wickets.

South Africa’s chase started poorly. Early wickets by Kranti Gaud and Amanjot Kaur reduced them to 18 for 2. Laura Wolvaardt stabilized the innings with a composed 70, sharing partnerships with Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon. India maintained pressure and South Africa were in trouble at 142 for 6. Nadine de Klerk then played the innings that changed the contest, hitting an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls. She struck eight fours and five sixes to guide South Africa to victory in the penultimate over. Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud took two wickets each for India.

India now look ahead to a key match against Australia, while South Africa will face Bangladesh in their next game.