South Africa’s fighting spirit shone once again as their lower order produced a heroic display to seal a thrilling three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup in Visakhapatnam on Monday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Proteas’ chase of 233 seemed destined for disaster when they stumbled to 78 for five, but a determined middle and lower order refused to give in. It was a familiar sight for fans who had watched them claw their way back against India just days earlier.
Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon reignited the innings with a defiant 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kapp’s composed 56 and Tryon’s explosive 62 not only revived South Africa’s hopes but also turned the game into a nail-biting contest.
Their dismissals, however, swung the momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour, setting up a tense finale. Tryon’s run-out, courtesy of a sharp direct hit from Ritu Moni, left South Africa needing 35 from 31 balls with only three wickets remaining.
Enter Nadine de Klerk – the Proteas’ reliable crisis-solver. She survived a few nervy moments, including a dropped catch on 26, and made the opposition pay dearly. De Klerk’s unbeaten 37 from just 29 deliveries proved to be the difference, steering her side home with three balls to spare.
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With eight needed off the final over, de Klerk struck the first ball from Nahida Akter through the covers for four before sealing victory in emphatic style, smashing a six over midwicket.
Tryon, who was named Player of the Match, admitted the closing stages were tense but credited the team’s composure for the win. ‘I am lost for words actually. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m happy we pulled this off,’ she said. ‘We just wanted to stay calm and wait for the bad balls. We knew we could chase 80 in the last 10 overs.’
The triumph marks South Africa’s third consecutive win after a shaky start to the tournament, where they were bowled out for just 69 in a crushing defeat to England. Now sitting third on the points table, the Proteas are suddenly in strong contention for a semi-final spot.
For Bangladesh, it was a case of what might have been. Missed opportunities in the field and dropped catches proved costly after a solid batting performance saw them post 232 for six, anchored by Shorna Akter’s blistering 51 not out off 35 balls – the fastest fifty of the tournament, featuring three fours and three sixes.
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Picture: Alex Davidson / Gallo Images
