In a game that seemed destined for a Mumbai Indians victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru found salvation in a familiar face: Nadine de Klerk. The South African all-rounder turned the 2026 Women’s Premier League opener into a personal masterclass, reminding the cricketing world why she has become the ultimate "clutch" player for both franchise and country.
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Following her performance on January 9 at the DY Patil Sports Academy, where she snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. But this wasn't the first time. Let us go back and look at some of the earlier instances, where she has proved herself over and over again.
Match: South Africa vs India (October 9, 2025)
Scenario: India set a formidable target of 252. South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 81/5 within 20 overs.
In one of the most explosive knocks of her career, De Klerk stepped in to anchor and then accelerate the chase. She smashed five sixes, including the winning runs; a six, off Kranti Gaud, to keep the Proteas' World Cup hopes alive in Visakhapatnam.
Stats: 84* off 54 balls.
She was the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer for South Africa during the league stages (179 runs at an average of 59.66).
South Africa won by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare.
Match: South Africa vs Australia, 2nd T20I (January 28, 2024)
Scenario: South Africa had never beaten Australia in a T20I. Chasing 143 in Canberra, the Proteas needed someone to hold the middle order together against the world's most clinical bowling attack.
De Klerk played the ultimate "finisher" role, remaining unbeaten to guide her side to a historic first-ever win over the Aussies. She displayed immense maturity, picking gaps and running hard when boundaries were hard to come by.
Bowling Stats: 1/15 (4 overs) an incredibly economical spell that frustrated the Australian top order.
Batting Stats: 26* off 20 balls.
South Africa won by 6 wickets, recording their first-ever T20I victory over Australia.
Match: South Africa vs Pakistan (September 11, 2023)
Scenario: In a high-stakes ODI encounter during the tour of Pakistan, South Africa needed a clinical bowling performance to stifle a dangerous Pakistan lineup.
De Klerk proved her mettle as a frontline bowler, recording career-best ODI figures at the time. Her ability to break partnerships in the middle overs ensured Pakistan could never post a challenging total.
Bowling Stats: 4 wickets for 32 runs.
South Africa won, with De Klerk earning high praise for her consistency and accuracy.
Match: South Africa vs Sri Lanka (August 4, 2022)
Scenario: A must-win group stage game in Birmingham. South Africa needed to dominate to boost their morale and standing.
De Klerk delivered one of the most economical and lethal spells in T20I history. She ripped through the Sri Lankan top and middle order, conceding just 7 runs in her 4-over quota.
Bowling Stats: 3 wickets for 7 runs.
South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for just 46 and won by 10 wickets.
Match-winning contributions: 40% of her career-best scores have resulted in team victories.
Death over economy (2024-2026): 7.4, In the top 5 globally for all-rounders.
Winning runs hit: 6, Including the 2025 WC vs India and 2026 WPL Opener.
