NEW DELHI: Nadine de Klerk once again showcased her composure under pressure, guiding South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup on Monday. Chasing 233, the Proteas appeared in trouble at 78 for five in the 23rd over. But veteran all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) and Chloe Tryon (62 off 69) staged a remarkable fightback, putting together an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket. South Africa eventually reached their target with three balls to spare.De Klerk, who had earlier been dropped by Shorna Akter at long-off in the penultimate over, finished the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 29 balls, striking a four and a six to seal the win.

This was another match-winning performance by the all-rounder, who had starred against India earlier in the tournament.Bangladesh’s innings had been anchored by a blistering 51 not out from 18-year-old Shorna Akter, who came in after a cautious start and propelled her team to 232 for six. Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) had earlier added a steady 77-run partnership for the third wicket to keep Bangladesh competitive.The visitors had begun well, with left-arm spinner Nahida Akter removing opener Tazmin Brits for a golden duck, reducing South Africa to 3/1. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 55-run stand, but a mix-up between the two batters saw Wolvaardt run out, opening the door for Bangladesh.

Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan then struck to dismiss Annerie Dercksen, while Fahima Khatun removed Sinalo Jafta, leaving South Africa wobbling at 78 for five. However, de Klerk’s brilliance, combined with Kapp and Tryon’s resilience, turned the tide decisively in South Africa’s favour.Earlier, Bangladesh’s openers Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) started cautiously, taking 16 overs to reach 50. Rubya’s attempted slog sweep against Chloe Tryon ended in a catch to de Klerk at mid-on, while Fargana was adjudged lbw to Nonkululeko Mlaba after a review. Sultana and Sharmin Akhter then fought back with crisp boundaries, keeping Bangladesh in the contest before the final surge faltered.In the end, South Africa’s experience and composure under pressure prevailed, with de Klerk’s finishing touch proving decisive in one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament.