Women's World Cup: Nadine de Klerk stuns India as South Africa pull off dramatic win

Chasing 252 for victory, South Africa appeared out of the contest at 142 for 6 with just 14 overs remaining. But de Klerk turned the game on its head with a breathtaking 84 not out off just 54 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes. 

Her explosive innings, one of the finest in South Africa's chasing history, guided the Proteas to victory with seven balls to spare.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt's composed 70 from 111 balls laid the foundation, while Chloe Tryon's 49 from 66 deliveries proved vital in steadying the innings. 

The pair added 69 for the seventh wicket before de Klerk took charge, launching a fearless assault on India's bowlers.

Earlier, India had recovered from a top-order collapse to post 251 all out, thanks to a magnificent 94 from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Her 77-ball innings included nine fours and four sixes and was supported by Sneh Rana's quickfire 33 from 24 balls as the pair shared an 88-run eighth-wicket stand.

India were in trouble at 102 for 6 after fine spells from Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-46) and Tryon (3-32) had ripped through the middle order. Seamers Marizanne Kapp (2-45) and Kranti Gaud (2-59) also played their part.

South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start, losing Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp cheaply, before Wolvaardt's resilience and de Klerk's brilliance rescued the innings.

"She's been striking the ball beautifully in practice, but to see her play like that under pressure was incredible," Wolvaardt said after the match. "It's one of the best knocks I've witnessed."

The victory lifted South Africa to fourth place on the eight-team table, just behind India in third, with both sides having played three matches. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals.

It was a night to remember in Visakhapatnam, one where Nadine de Klerk turned near defeat into one of South Africa's greatest World Cup triumphs.