Team India’s unbeaten streak in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 came to an end as South Africa pulled off a stunning victory in a high-pressure thriller.
Former India captain and cricket pundit Anjum Chopra shared her insights after the defeat, pointing out that India underestimated South Africa’s match-winners and failed to adapt tactically in the closing stages.
The match, filled with twists and late drama, showcased how the Proteas women fought back under pressure, led by Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84, which turned the game in their favor.
🎙️ Anjum Chopra’s Take: “They Forgot SA Has Match-Winners Too”
Speaking on JioHotstar, Anjum Chopra lauded Nadine de Klerk’s performance while highlighting India’s missed opportunities:
“They didn’t fully acknowledge that the opposition also had match-winners and depth in their batting line-up, much like India,” said Anjum.
“De Klerk played true to her strengths. She’s been one of those underrated performers in world cricket. Coming in at number eight and knowing exactly how to finish games — that’s a big takeaway for the world.”
💪 India’s Positives: Middle-Order Resilience
Despite the loss, Chopra pointed out that India’s middle order showed character, especially Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana, who kept India in the fight.
✅ Highlights of India’s Performance:
- Richa Ghosh anchored the innings and held her nerve under pressure.
- Sneh Rana once again delivered when the team needed her.
- The bowling unit maintained discipline in the powerplay, picking up early wickets.
However, Anjum noted that the team lost intensity toward the end, possibly assuming victory too early.
🔥 De Klerk’s Knock: A Game-Changer
Nadine de Klerk’s innings was the turning point of the match.
Coming in at No. 8, she played fearlessly and guided her team to a thrilling finish.
| Player | Runs (Not Out) | Position | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk | 84* | No. 8 | Match-winning knock |
| Richa Ghosh | 65 | Middle order | Anchored India’s innings |
| Sneh Rana | 32 | Lower middle | Showed composure and fight |
Chopra praised de Klerk’s confidence and finishing skills, calling her performance “a lesson in composure under pressure.”
🧩 Bowling Concerns: The Missing Sixth Option
A major talking point from the match was India’s lack of a sixth bowling option.
With limited choices, captain Harmanpreet Kaur had to bowl four overs herself, conceding 15 runs without taking a wicket.
“You have to get a sixth bowler; it’s absolutely essential,” said Anjum.
“For the last two years, this issue has been visible. The team can’t rely on just five bowlers — it’s not practical at this level.”
⚠️ Key Challenges:
- Overdependence on five main bowlers
- Limited flexibility during tight chases
- Batting collapses despite a deep lineup
- Need to balance between an extra batter and an additional bowler
🏏 Anjum’s Call for Team Restructuring
Anjum Chopra suggested that the team management may need to make tough selection calls, possibly sacrificing a top-order batter to add a bowling option.
“Even with six or seven batters, India isn’t consistently reaching 250–280 runs. It’s time to strengthen at least one department decisively,” she emphasized.
🌍 Looking Ahead
With upcoming matches in Vizag, Indore, and Mumbai, India will face similar pitch conditions. Chopra urged the team to:
- Reassess bowling combinations
- Maintain focus and intensity throughout the innings
- Adapt better to match situations
- Avoid over-reliance on a few players
As the Women’s World Cup 2025 continues, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side must find the right balance to bounce back stronger.
