NEW DELHI: Nadine de Klerk displayed nerves of steel under pressure and guided South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Women’s World Cup clash on Monday.

Chasing 233, the hosts staged a remarkable recovery from 78 for five in the 23rd over, thanks to crucial half-centuries from premier all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71) and Chloe Tryon (62 off 69). The duo stitched together a vital 85-run stand for the sixth wicket to bring South Africa back into the contest.

In the end, South Africa sealed victory with three balls remaining. After Kapp and Tryon’s dismissals, de Klerk, dropped by Shorna Akter at long-off in the penultimate over, held her nerve to finish unbeaten on 37 off 29 balls, smashing a four and a six to complete the chase.

It was another match-winning effort from de Klerk, who had earlier played a similar knock against India.

Dew proved troublesome for the Bangladesh spinners, who had come into the game after young Shorna Akter’s explosive 35-ball 51 not out powered her side to 232 for six following a sluggish start.

Earlier, Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42) steadied the innings with a 77-run partnership for the third wicket before Shorna’s late fireworks lifted Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, relying heavily on their bowling attack, began strongly. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter struck early, removing Tazmin Brits for a golden duck with a return catch off her own bowling with just three runs on the board.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35) then added 55 runs before a disastrous mix-up led to Wolvaardt’s run-out, with both batters stranded mid-pitch. Nigar Sultana completed the dismissal after Wolvaardt crossed Bosch.

The momentum swung firmly Bangladesh’s way as Bosch soon perished, slicing Sobhana Mostary to mid-off. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan further dented South Africa’s chase, bowling Annerie Dercksen with a delivery that turned just enough to clip the off stump.

Fahima Khatun then joined the party, knocking over Sinalo Jafta’s off stump to leave South Africa reeling at 78 for five.

But de Klerk had other plans, steering her team home and denying Bangladesh what looked like a certain victory.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s openers Fargana Hoque (30 off 76) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52) adopted an overly cautious approach, taking 16 overs to reach 50.

Rubya’s attempt to accelerate with a slog sweep against Tryon backfired, as she dragged the ball straight to de Klerk at mid-on — giving South Africa their first wicket.

A major setback followed when Fargana was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba while attempting a paddle sweep. South Africa had initially appealed for caught behind, but on review, it was confirmed there was no edge, and the ball was crashing into off stump.

Nigar Sultana arrived and immediately made an impact, cutting Mlaba through point for four. In the next over, Sharmin Akhter struck two boundaries off Masabata Klaas, and Sultana capitalised on the attacking field by rocking back and driving Mlaba through covers for another four.

(With PTI Inputs)