Visakhapatnam, Oct 9 (NationPress) Nadine de Klerk produced an impressive unbeaten 84, while captain Laura Wolvaardt supported with a steady 70, enabling South Africa to triumph over India by three wickets with seven balls remaining in Match 10 of the ICC Women's World Cup. De Klerk scored 16 runs in just three balls during the 47th over, bringing the Proteas' target down to 23 runs off 18 balls. A crucial four from de Klerk against Deepti Sharma in the 48th over set the stage for a thrilling finish. She clinched victory with two sixes off Amanjot Kaur, leading South Africa to a remarkable recovery from their initial defeat against England. The team reached a total of 252/7 in 48.5 overs, securing their second consecutive win and moving into the top four in the standings. This match marked India's first loss in three games, yet they remain competitive in the top four.

South Africa faced a challenging situation at 142/6, but a brilliant partnership between Chloe Tryon (49) and de Klerk (84 off 54 balls) tore through the Indian bowling attack, propelling the team to a memorable victory. De Klerk's five sixes showcased her power hitting, setting a record for the highest score by a No.8 batter in ODIs.

Earlier, South Africa's bowling attack had India struggling at 102/6, after opting to bowl first. However, a sensational innings from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who scored 94 off 77 balls, combined with partnerships that bolstered the tail, allowed India to reach a competitive 251 all out in 49.5 overs.

Richa struck 11 fours and four sixes, dominating the last 10 overs alongside Sneh Rana, who contributed a quick 33 off 24 balls. Together, they amassed 98 runs in the final overs, showcasing their exceptional power-hitting skills. South Africa's chase began poorly, losing the dangerous Tazmin Brits for a duck, and with wickets tumbling, they found themselves in dire straits at 81/5.

Despite the early setbacks, captain Wolvaardt steadied the innings, forming a crucial partnership with Chloe Tryon that added 61 runs for the sixth wicket. Wolvaardt's innings included eight boundaries in her 111-ball effort. However, she was eventually dismissed by a brilliant yorker from Kranti Gaud.

As the pressure mounted, Tryon and de Klerk formed a vital partnership, propelling South Africa towards their target. De Klerk reached her half-century off just 40 balls, ensuring a thrilling finish to a match that began late due to rain and wet conditions.

Brief scores: India 251 all out in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3-32, Marizanne Kapp 2-45, Nadine de Klerk 2-52) lost to South Africa 252/7 in 48.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 70; Chloe Tryon 49, Nadine de Klerk 84 not out; Kranti Gaud 2-59, Sneh Rana 2-47) by three wickets.