Overview
In a high-stakes clash at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Visakhapatnam, South Africa battled back from a precarious position to triumph by three wickets over Bangladesh. A target of 233 looked within reach for the Proteas after a stunning fightback from Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp, who stitched a decisive 85-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in their side’s favour.
Bangladesh’s strong start and late surge
Bangladesh posted 232/6 after opting to bat first, guided by Shorna Akter’s blazing 34-ball fifty — the fastest in the tournament — and a late surge from Ritu Moni and Rabeya Khan. The Tigresses’ batting lineup looked dangerously potent in the middle overs, with Sharmin Akhter registering a steady 50 and Nigar Sultana Joty contributing in a key partnership which pushed Bangladesh beyond 150 with 10 overs to go.
South Africa’s early setback and revival
South Africa’s reply began shakily as Tazmin Brits fell for a duck, and the defending champions found themselves at 78/5 after 15 overs, with Bangladesh’s spinners turning the game in their favour. Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun bowled with discipline, taking crucial wickets as South Africa stumbled into a tight chase.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch steadied the ship with a 55-run stand, but a run-out for Wolvaardt at 31 triggered a collapse that left the Proteas at 58/2 and then 78/5. The odds looked grim as the chase gathered pace for a moment, until Tryon and Kapp anchored South Africa’s pursuit.
The turning partnership: Tryon and Kapp
Tryon, belatedly finding form, anchored the innings with a composed 62, while Kapp matched her compatriot with a patient 56. The pair combined for an 85-run alliance, re-energising South Africa’s hopes and placing the chase back on track. Tryon’s approach was aggressive when needed, including a pivotal over in which she struck three boundaries and moved the score close to the target.
After Kapp reached a well-deserved fifty, the game remained in the balance as the pair looked to close out in style. Kapp finally fell to a mistimed slog for 56, but Tryon continued to engineer the chase, a boundary-laden 44th over lifting South Africa within touching distance of victory.
Final moments and victory
With 16 runs needed, Tryon survived a pinpoint direct hit run-out attempt that brought nerves to the surface, only to see Nadine de Klerk finish the job with a dramatic six over deep square leg with three balls remaining. De Klerk, unbeaten on 37 and having been dropped earlier, ensured a nerve-wracking but deserved win for South Africa as the Proteas chased 233 in Visakhapatnam.
Impact and takeaways
This result underscored South Africa’s resilience, showcasing depth in their middle order and a capability to absorb early pressure. Bangladesh showed plenty of intent with the bat, a quick-firing start from Shorna Akter and a late flourish, but the home stretch belonged to the South Africans, who demonstrated why they remain a formidable force in women’s cricket at the World Cup level.
Key players
- Chloe Tryon — 62 off — anchored the chase and produced crucial boundaries.
- Marizanne Kapp — 56, the glue in the middle, saw the chase through before her dismissal.
- Nadine de Klerk — 37*, finished off the chase with a signature big hit.
With this victory, South Africa move up in the group standings and demonstrate their capacity to win tight affairs against quality opponents in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
