Proteas Women’s heroine Nadine de Klerk claims she embraces the pressure of a run-chase after steering her side to a famous three-wicket victory over India in the ICC Women’s World Cup.
De Klerk blasted 84 not out off 54 balls to power South Africa home in their chase of 252. It had looked unlikely after the Protas slumped to 81/5, but the 2022 semi-finalists showed resilience to claw their way back into the contest through impressive innings from captain Laura Wolvaardt (70) and Chloe Tryon (49) before De Klerk showed nerves of steel to complete a thrilling run chase.
“I do like being under pressure. I love the World Cups. No bigger stage than playing India at their home. We had to be at our best,” De Klerk said.
“We have done lots of good things and to finish off the game, take the game deep and get over the line is great. Like I said, it is great to get over the line.”
The Proteas have bounced back in spectacular fashion since their crushing 10-wicket defeat to England in their opening game. They cruised past New Zealand in their second game before completing the fifth-highest successful chase in World Cups and their eight highest in women’s ODIs here against the previously unbeaten India in Visakhapatnam.
“We are capable of beating the best sides in the world. We just had to take it deep,” De Klerk said.
“We are a very good side in the backend. Even if we need 7 or 8 (runs per over), we will be able to do it.
“Chloe (Tryon) took the pressure off me, also Laura (Wolvaardt) was great. Great to get over the line.”
De Klerk blasted five sixes, which included the winning runs over deep mid-wicket, and showed that she relishes the finisher role she’s been tasked with at this World Cup.
“[Power-hitting] It comes quite natural. That is my role in the side. I have to finish off the game. I had some time. It looked a good wicket. I wanted to give myself some chance,” she said.
“We have a couple of days off, and I just want to reflect on this and get ready for the Bangladesh game.”
