ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup 2025
Match 14, October 13, 2025
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
In a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last over, South Africa Women clinched a dramatic three-wicket victory over a spirited Bangladesh Women in the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup 2025. Played at the picturesque Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, this Match 14 fixture was a testament to the growing competitiveness and unpredictable nature of modern women`s ODI cricket.
Bangladesh`s Resilient Batting Effort
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh set out with a clear strategy: consolidate. Openers Fargana Hoque (30) and Rubya Haider (25) adopted a cautious approach, focusing on seeing off the new ball and frustrating the potent South African bowling attack led by Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas. While the run rate remained modest, their 53-run partnership for the first wicket was significant, marking Bangladesh`s highest opening stand of the tournament – a testament to their improved application and resilience.
The Proteas, visibly annoyed by the lack of an early breakthrough, eventually found their rhythm. The experienced Chloe Tryon initiated a mini-collapse, and Bangladesh slipped from a comfortable position. However, showing immense character, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, alongside Sharmin Akhter, forged a crucial 77-run recovery partnership. Their combined effort, especially in the middle overs, ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Nonkululeko Mlaba proved particularly effective, extracting turn and varying her pace to trouble the Bangladeshi batters, but the partnership held firm.
The final overs witnessed a remarkable acceleration. Shorna Akter, displaying audacious stroke play, unleashed a flurry of boundaries, racing to a brilliant fifty – the fastest in ODI history for Bangladesh Women. Supported by Mst Ritu Moni`s late flourish, Bangladesh added an impressive 57 runs in the last five overs, propelling their total to a competitive 232 for six. It was a performance that underscored a newfound confidence in their batting lineup, a sentiment echoed by their supporters across the nation.
From Dhaka to Khulna, Chattogram to Sylhet, this performance will be celebrated across the nation for a long time to come. Batting was their nemesis for a long, long time, but this time around, they ticked several boxes and have posted a really good total on the board.
South Africa`s Nervy Chase and Heroic Fifties
Chasing 233 for victory, South Africa Women, known for their prowess in run chases, faced an immediate challenge. Bangladesh`s bowling attack, recognized as their primary strength, was ready to defend the total with zeal. The match commentary had already highlighted Bangladesh`s ability to make even formidable opponents “sweat, huff, and puff” while defending modest totals.
Indeed, the chase was anything but a stroll. After a jittery start, the responsibility fell upon the seasoned shoulders of Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp. These two stalwarts absorbed the pressure, showcasing their experience and skill. Tryon`s aggressive 62 off 69 balls complemented Kapp`s more measured 56 off 71, as they steadily built a match-winning partnership. They rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, shifting the momentum back towards the Proteas.
Even with their fifties, the game remained finely balanced. Bangladesh refused to concede easily, picking up crucial wickets at opportune moments. However, South Africa`s deep batting lineup proved decisive. Nadine de Klerk, who had previously finished games for her side, once again stepped up to the plate. With an unbeaten 37 off just 29 balls, de Klerk displayed nerves of steel, guiding her team across the finish line with three balls to spare, reaching 235 for seven. The match culminated in a minor “comedy of errors” from the Bangladeshi fielders in the crucial final moments, adding to the dramatic tension.
Key Performances & Lasting Impressions
This encounter was a showcase of individual brilliance and team resilience. For South Africa, the collective effort of Tryon, Kapp, and de Klerk underscored their batting depth and ability to perform under pressure. Mlaba`s insightful bowling, adapting her pace to the conditions, also played a crucial role. For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter`s record-breaking fifty was a major highlight, signaling a promising future for their batting lineup. Their overall performance, especially in setting a challenging target, demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Women`s Cricket World Cup 2025.
While South Africa secured their third consecutive win, their fielding performance, as noted in the original match commentary, left something to be desired. One might quip that they chose the most stressful path to victory, making it all the more thrilling for neutral fans. Conversely, Bangladesh departed the field with heads held high, having pushed one of the tournament favorites to the very brink. This match was not just a victory for South Africa but a significant moment for women`s ODI cricket, highlighting the growing parity and excitement in the international game.
