South Africa’s Women’s cricket team pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday, October 13, 2025. This hard-fought victory propelled South Africa to third place in the tournament standings, nudging India down a spot and leaving Bangladesh searching for answers after a third consecutive defeat. The contest was packed with drama, momentum swings, and individual brilliance, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last over.
Bangladesh, who had struggled for consistency with the bat in earlier matches, finally found some much-needed stability at the top of the order. Openers Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider stitched together a patient 53-run partnership, laying a solid foundation that had been missing in their previous outings. The calm and calculated approach of the opening pair allowed Bangladesh to weather the early pressure from South Africa’s bowlers, who had looked sharp in the initial overs.
The platform set by the openers was further built upon by captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akter Supta. Their partnership through the middle overs was a masterclass in rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries, as they added a crucial 77 runs. Sharmin Akter, in particular, played with poise and determination, reaching a vital half-century that steadied the innings at a critical juncture. According to the match report, "Sharmin Akter scored a crucial 50 runs," a testament to her ability to anchor the innings when her team needed it most.
But the real fireworks came from the bat of 18-year-old Shorna Akter. With Bangladesh needing a late surge to post a competitive total, Shorna delivered in spectacular fashion. Her unbeaten 51 off just 35 balls, littered with three fours and three sixes, injected much-needed momentum into the innings. The young batter’s aggressive intent was clear from the outset, and her ability to find the boundary under pressure showcased a maturity beyond her years. As noted in the coverage, "Shorna Akter played aggressively, scoring an unbeaten 51 runs," earning plaudits from teammates and commentators alike.
Bangladesh’s final total of 232 for six was their best effort of the tournament so far. The Tigresses’ fans had reason to hope that this would be enough to secure a much-needed win and halt their losing streak. The improved batting performance was a welcome sign, especially after their struggles in previous matches, and it set the stage for a tense chase under the Visakhapatnam lights.
However, the conditions were far from ideal for fielding. Dew and intermittent drizzle made the outfield slippery and the ball hard to grip, leading to a series of costly errors for Bangladesh. The match report highlighted that "fielding errors by Bangladesh, exacerbated by dew and intermittent drizzle, contributed to their defeat." Several catches went down at crucial moments, but none proved more decisive than the one in the penultimate over of South Africa’s chase.
With South Africa needing 35 runs from the final five overs and seven wickets down, the match hung in the balance. Enter Nadine de Klerk, the 25-year-old all-rounder who had already established a reputation as a reliable finisher. For the second consecutive game, de Klerk stepped up when her team needed her most. She played with remarkable composure, striking 37 runs off just 29 balls, and expertly managed the chase as the pressure mounted.
The defining moment came with three balls remaining. De Klerk, facing Nahida Akter, lofted the ball high over long-on for six, sealing the win in style and sending the South African dugout into jubilation. The match report captured the moment perfectly: "Nadine de Klerk scored 37 runs off 29 balls, including a match-winning six over long-on with three balls remaining." It was a finish befitting the high stakes of a World Cup clash.
But the match might have swung the other way had Bangladesh capitalized on their chances in the field. In the penultimate over, de Klerk offered a straightforward catch to long-off, only for Shorna Akter—so brilliant with the bat—to misjudge and spill the opportunity. While she managed to prevent the ball from reaching the boundary, the damage was done. As the report noted, "Had that catch been held, Bangladesh might well have celebrated its second win of the tournament." It was a cruel twist for Shorna, who had earlier been the hero with the bat.
For Bangladesh, this result marked their third straight loss in the tournament, leaving them in sixth place on the standings and facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and her side will be left ruing missed opportunities—both with the bat, where they could have accelerated earlier, and in the field, where lapses proved costly. Yet there were positives to take: the improved top-order batting, the emergence of Shorna Akter as a genuine match-winner, and the fighting spirit shown throughout the contest.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their ability to chase under pressure and the continued heroics of Nadine de Klerk. Their climb to third place in the standings is a testament to their resilience and ability to hold their nerve in tight situations. This win also sends a message to the rest of the field: South Africa are genuine contenders, capable of pulling off dramatic finishes and finding match-winners in crunch moments.
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues to serve up thrilling cricket and unexpected twists. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned in Visakhapatnam. For South Africa, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and fine-tuning their middle-order batting. For Bangladesh, the challenge is to convert promising performances into victories and to tighten up in the field when it matters most.
With the group stage heating up and every point crucial, fans can expect more drama, more heroics, and more unforgettable moments as the world’s best teams vie for cricket’s ultimate prize. For now, South Africa’s nerve and Nadine de Klerk’s finishing prowess have given them the edge—and left Bangladesh searching for their first taste of success in this year’s World Cup.
As the dust settles on a rain-tinged night in Visakhapatnam, both teams will reflect on what might have been and what still lies ahead. The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is far from over, and if this match is any indication, the best may still be to come.
