India vs South Africa live Women’s World Cup 2025 : India’s bowlers, led by Amanjot Kaur and Kranti Gaud, put South Africa under pressure in Visakhapatnam. Despite top-order struggles, strong fielding and disciplined bowling have given India the upper hand in this crucial World Cup clash.
It began with a scream — not from the crowd, but from Kranti Gaud herself. The young pacer had just plucked a one-handed screamer off her own bowling to dismiss Tazmin Brits, South Africa’s in-form centurion from the previous match. Within moments, the mood at the ACA-VDCA Stadium shifted. The Indian fielders were suddenly electric. The chatter grew louder. India were on the hunt.
By the end of the fifth over, South Africa had stumbled to 19 for 2, with both Brits and Sune Luus — their batting heroes from the last game — back in the pavilion. The early breakthroughs came from Amanjot Kaur, returning from a brief fitness layoff, and Kranti Gaud, who bowled with fierce rhythm and remarkable control.
“We spoke in the team meeting about intent — not just with the bat, but in our body language,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur before the match. “The girls have responded beautifully tonight.”
India vs South Africa Live : A defining evening for India’s bowlers
After two nerve-wracking wins where India had to rely on their middle order to bail them out, the bowlers have stepped up under pressure. Deepti Sharma, already India’s top wicket-taker in the tournament with six scalps, was once again on point, supported by off-spinner Sneh Rana, who turned the ball sharply and tested Laura Wolvaardt’s patience.
The spinners found grip despite a relatively flat surface, forcing South Africa’s batters to play watchfully. Even Wolvaardt, usually so fluent, looked uneasy, scratching her way to a laboured dozen from 24 balls as dot-balls mounted.
India’s batting under spotlight
Earlier in the day, India had posted 252 all out, a fighting total but one that again exposed cracks in their top order. Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues failed to convert starts, leaving the job to the middle and lower order once more.
It was Harleen Deol (48) and Richa Ghosh (37) who stitched together a steady partnership, before Deepti Sharma’s late 29 off 21 balls added valuable runs. India’s innings mirrored their campaign — shaky up top, resilient down the order.
South Africa’s response and the road ahead
For South Africa, the chase began with nerves. After their embarrassing 69-all-out collapse against England earlier in the tournament, their emphatic six-wicket win over New Zealand had restored belief. But tonight, the top order’s failure has reopened old wounds.
The pressure now rests on captain Laura Wolvaardt and veteran Marizanne Kapp to rebuild, but India’s disciplined bowling has left little room for comfort.
Analysts believe this game could shape the semifinal race. India, sitting second on the table, need not just wins but momentum — and confidence from their star players.
“If Mandhana or Harmanpreet fire, this team can beat anyone,” said former India coach WV Raman during commentary. “But they can’t keep leaving it to the lower order. At some point, the big guns must take charge.”
