n a blockbuster showdown at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, South Africa Women pulled off a remarkable victory over India Women in the 10th Match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. With the hosts setting 251/- in 49.5 overs, it seemed like India might have done enough—until a sensational chase led by Nadine de Klerk swung momentum in South Africa’s favor. The visitors won by 3 wickets in 48.5 overs.
This result hands India their first defeat of the tournament and gives South Africa a major confidence boost. Let’s break down how it unfolded
🏏 Match Summary & Key Moments
India Innings
India posted 251 in 49.5 overs.
The innings was rescued by Richa Ghosh, who played a powerful knock from 102/6 to help the team reach a competitive total.
The lower order punched above their weight, making India’s total look even more dangerous
South Africa Chase
RSA Women reached 252/7 in 48.5 overs and sealed the win with 7 balls to spare.
At one point, the chase looked shaky: South Africa were 81/5 with key wickets lost early.
But the pairing of Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon led the comeback, rotating strike smartly and punishing India in the death overs.
Nadine de Klerk was named Player of the Match for her composed and match-winning innings under pressure.
🌟 Standout Performers & Stats
Nadine de Klerk played a match-defining knock, taking on the pressure and finishing the chase with authority.
Richa Ghosh displayed grit and power, pulling India from a precarious position.
The victory marks the first time South Africa Women have beaten India in a Women’s ODI after a streak of losses.
This match also witnessed a record: the highest successful chase in a Women’s World Cup by South Africa — 252.
Another interesting stat: both teams had No. 8 or lower batters score fifties—a rare feat in WODIs.
🔍 Tactical Insights & Turning Points
India’s Collapse & Recovery
India lost wickets in clusters, but Richa’s fightback kept things alive. The middle-order collapse proved costly at the end.
Rosy Middle Overs by RSA
After a slow start, South Africa built partnerships and maintained calculated aggression, handing momentum back to them.
Death-over Brilliance
India’s bowlers couldn’t stop the flow of boundaries in the last 10 overs. South Africa timed their assault perfectly.
Psychological Edge
Chasing under pressure against the host side can test nerves. South Africa’s composure under duress turned the tide.
🎯 Implications & Next Steps
India now has to regroup quickly — their next match is against Australia, a formidable opponent.
South Africa’s confidence is skyrocketing. This win places them as serious contenders in the group.
For bettors & prediction followers: this match shows that in women’s cricket too, nothing is safe - performance under pressure counts hugely.
📝 Prediction & Betting Angle (Optional Insight)
Given how the match unraveled, future matches in this tournament might favor chasing teams on batting-friendly pitches.
Watching how teams handle middle and death overs could be valuable for odds — e.g., swings in run rate, batting upgrades, bowler fatigue.
✅ Conclusion
South Africa’s victory over India in Vizag was more than a scoreboard win — it was a statement. With Nadine de Klerk’s composed knock, clever partnerships, and execution under pressure, they overturned expectations. India, though, showed fight with Richa Ghosh.
Stay tuned for the next matches in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 — this tournament is far from over.