New Delhi: It was a closely fought encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam where South Africa Women registered a hard-fought 3-wicket win over Bangladesh Women in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The victory came in the 50th over of a tense chase with all-rounder Nadine de Klerk steering her side home after Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 232/6. Bangladesh’s steady start and middle-order stability Opting to bat first after winning the toss Bangladesh Women began cautiously against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) built a steady second-wicket partnership before both fell to left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba who struck twice to put the brakes on the scoring. Captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) continued to anchor the innings while opener Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) held one end firmly bringing up her half-century. Their partnership helped Bangladesh reach 150 by the 40th over. Late contributions from Shorna Akter (51 off 35)* added vital acceleration guiding Bangladesh to a respectable total of 232/6 in their 50 overs. South Africa’s bowlers share the spoils South Africa’s bowling unit displayed collective effort. Mlaba led the attack with 2 for 42 while Nadine de Klerk (1/39) and Chloe Tryon (1/41) also chipped in with crucial wickets. Seamers Masabata Klaas and Marizanne Kapp were economical ensuring Bangladesh never completely ran away with the game. The fielding effort was equally sharp with two key run-outs—one involving Sharmin Akhter and another Rabeya Khan—that restricted Bangladesh’s final surge. Kapp and Tryon lead South Africa’s chase In response South Africa had a shaky start losing Tazmin Brits for a duck and Laura Wolvaardt for 31 after a mix-up. Bangladesh spinners kept the pressure on reducing South Africa to 78/5 by the 23rd over. Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp counter-attacked with a fluent 56 off 71 balls striking seven boundaries to keep South Africa alive in the chase. Her dismissal caught off Nahida Akter brought Bangladesh back into the contest but the game was far from over. Nadine de Klerk finishes it off in style When Chloe Tryon fell for a brisk 62 off 69 balls Bangladesh sensed an opening. However Nadine de Klerk’s composed 37 off 29 balls* guided South Africa home with just three balls to spare. Masabata Klaas (10 off 13)* provided crucial support in the closing moments as South Africa reached 235/7 in 49.3 overs. Bangladesh bowlers particularly Nahida Akter (2/44) and Fahima Khatun (1/51) bowled with great heart but couldn’t prevent South Africa from snatching victory in the final over. Story Highlights South Africa Women defeated Bangladesh Women by 3 wickets in Visakhapatnam. Shorna Akter scored a quickfire 51 off 35* for Bangladesh. Marizanne Kapp (56) and Chloe Tryon (62) stabilized South Africa’s innings. Nadine de Klerk remained unbeaten on 37 finishing the chase in the 50th over.