There’s something special about this Proteas women’s team. There were several points in Thursday’s Cricket World Cup clash against hosts India that I thought South Africa had lost it, and every time they proved me wrong.
First, the Proteas reduced India to 102/6 after 26 overs, and it looked like India wouldn’t make more than 180 at most.
Then it got away from the Proteas for the first time as wicketkeeper number eight Richa Ghosh powered her way to 94 from 77 balls. Ably supported by Sneh Rana with 33 from 24, the pair put on an incredible 88 from 8.5 overs to take the score from 153/7 to 241/8.
Eventually making 251, it was an imposing total that India should never have been allowed to make.
South Africa’s Struggles Against India: A Challenging Chase
Though South Africa were comprehensive winners in their previous match against New Zealand, it was difficult to forget their 69 all out against England in their opener as they set out to chase 252 for victory against India.
My fears proved all too real as South Africa crashed to 81/5 as only skipper and opener Laura Wolvaardt stood resolute.
As Wolvaardt looked set for a World Cup ton though, a premeditated move outside leg stump allowed India’s quick Kranti Gaud to execute the perfect yorker and castle the Proteas captain for 70.
That left SA with a mountain to climb at 142/6 still needing an imposing 110 runs to win in the remaining 14.1 overs.
Nadine de Klerk’s Unbeaten 84 Leads South Africa to Victory
Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk had other ideas though, as they combined for a crucial seventh wicket stand of 69. Still, when Tryon departed one short of her 50 with SA still needing 41 from 4.1 overs, it seemed the game was gone again.
De Klerk, reminiscent of Lance Klusener in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, then took over as she bludgeoned the India attack for several maximums before finally striking five sixes and eight fours on her way to an unbeaten 84 from 54 balls.
By the time she was done, South Africa had won by three wickets with seven balls to spare. It was also her highest score in any format for the Proteas, and it proved once more— this Proteas team is full of match-winners ready to thrive in the toughest moments.
I’m a pessimist by nature, but given what we’ve seen so far, this Proteas team fills me with hope at this World Cup.
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
