Nadine de Klerk remained calm when it mattered most, leading South Africa to a thrilling three -wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup on Monday. In pursuit of 233, the Proteas were in serious trouble at 78 for five in the 23rd over, before experienced all-rounders Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) and Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) mounted a spectacular fightback. Their vital 85-run sixth-wicket partnership breathed life into South Africa’s chances before de Klerk’s calmness sealed the victory.
Left by Shorna Akter in the last but one over, de Klerk made Bangladesh sweat – smashing a four and a six in the dying overs to remain unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls and complete the chase with three deliveries to spare. It was yet another heroic effort by de Klerk, who had previously scored a match-winning innings against India.
Dew had caused problems for Bangladesh spinners earlier after 18-year-old Shorna Akter’s 35-ball 51 not out had led them to a competitive 232 for six. Prior to her fireworks, Sharmin Akhter (50 from 77) and skipper Nigar Sultana (32 from 42) supported the innings with a 77-run partnership for the third wicket after a slow beginning from openers Fargana Hoque (30) and Rubya Haider (25).
Bangladesh bowlers struck early in revenge. Left-arm bowler Nahida Akter knocked over early wicket Tazmin Brits for a golden duck on a caught-and-bowled opportunity. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (31) and Anneke Bosch (28) attempted to rebuild with a 55-run partnership, but a nightmare mix-up resulted in Wolvaardt’s run-out—a moment that pumped up Bangladesh. Bosch soon joined in, cutting a catch to mid-off, while leg-spinner Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun shook the stumps of Annerie Dercksen and Sinalo Jafta respectively, leaving South Africa in disarray.
Bangladesh were 78 for five from where they dictated terms. But from there, Kapp, Tryon, and de Klerk led a determined fightback. When Kapp and Tryon fell, de Klerk held firm, piloting the chase with calm assurance to deny Bangladesh a historic victory.
Ultimately, it was de Klerk’s cool nerves and bold strokeplay that illuminated the evening—translating what appeared a cause lost into one of South Africa’s finest tournament victories ever.
