Who remembers the fateful night in Christchurch? If you were among those who watched the Indian World Championship 2022 with the South African Republic in Hagley, the word heart could still stab. It was not just another match of the group-it was the Night Indian campaign that collapsed, and Deepti Sharma No-Ball became one of the most interdential moments in recent cricket history.
How often does ecstasy turn into despair in blink? With three running needs of two balls, Mignon du Preez Miscued one for a long time and for a short, electrifying moment, India celebrated. But the joy didn’t last. Playing told a cruel story – Deepti crossed. The release has turned into without a ball, and more importantly, free run for protease.
Suddenly, what was supposed to be three needed from one happened two two. Du Preez and Shabnim Ismail calmly moved the Republic of South Africa over the line and sealed Indian fate – and as Irony should, they drive Western India to the semifinals.
Now, three years later, when India is preparing to face the South Africa in Visag again, one cannot help but wonder – Christchurch scars healed? Or will the ghosts of this non-moon still persist when both sides locked the corners again?
India is dominated by Proteas
From this heart break in Christchurch, India has actually turned the tables to South Africa in 50-over format. The scars of 2022 could have had time to heal, but the results have been talking about silent redemption since then. Five matches, five wins – this is the story of Indian dominance over Proteas since the fateful night at the World Championship.
The hardest test came in the bilateral series last year in Bengalur, where Mandhan and Harmanpreet Kaur’s Sublime century carried India home only four runs at the M Chinnaswama stadium. It was a reminder that South Africa could still push them hard – but also that India now has faith to close closely.
So, when both sides are preparing to meet again on the Grand World Cup stage, you can’t help but ask – give them a recent record in India a psychological advantage? Or will South Africa see it as a chance to finally settle the old score?
India performed a strong beginning of the ongoing tournament with his back victory over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Yet it was not all smooth sailing. Doubtful Call DRS, Mare Field, and Inconsisible Middle Screen They revealed several cracks. Yet, given their experience, firepower and history against South Africa, there is a reason to believe that they will increase their game when it matters most.
South African Republic with confidence
The South African campaign has so far been studies in extremes. Their Opener at the Guwahati World Championship was not a short nightmare – wrapped up at only 69 England’s ruthless attack on the Barsapar stadium. It was a kind of collapse that could break confidence at the beginning of the tournament.
However, Proteas was reflected in their resistant spirit in style. In Indore, they created a mockery from New Zealand a total of 232, strengthened home with six goals and almost nine exceeded, which saved on the stadium girl. The turnover was emphatic – and a symbolic party that refuses to stay down for a long time.
Tazmin Brits was the core of this recovery and rewrote record books with the most hundreds in the calendar year in the ODI female. Its appearance associated with the experience of Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp makes South Africa a team that can never be underestimated.
So, while India may have historically the upper hand – five direct victories from this heart break in 2022 – the upcoming clash is something other than predictable. Playing at home gives India the edge, yes, but can keep their nerve against the South African side, which is shown how fast happiness can turn? One thing is for sure: this competition promises much more than just revenge – it is about redemption, resistance and rewriting memories.
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Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
9 October 2025
Tune
