PICTURES: Proteas Women's epic World Cup victory over India

The much-hyped ICC Women's World Cup clash between hosts India and the Proteas lived up to its billing in Visakhapatnam, with the visitors edging over the line by three wickets.

The thriller was divided into equal quarters with the Proteas dominating with the ball initially, reducing India to 102/6. courtesy of left-arm spinners Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba.

But that's when Richa Gosh entered the fray and blasted 94 from 77 balls to lift India to a respectable 251 out all. India's seam bowlers maintained this momentum with the in-form Proteas opener Tazmin Brits falling for a first-ever ODI duck as the home team tightened the screws.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt was the lone beacon of resistance as the visitors slumped to 81/5.

Wolvaardt was eventually dismissed for a controlled 70 (111 balls), but the skipper had kickstarted the Proteas' fightback with Tryon in a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket. 

The Proteas were building momentum with Tryon involved in another 69-run partnership with Nadine de Klerk before India struck again to trap Tryon LBW for 49.

The task seemed too steep for the Proteas at that stage with 41 runs required off 26 balls. De Klerk only had the tailenders for company and the momentum had swung India's way again.

But what followed will be etched into Women's World Cup folklore with De Klerk relishing the responsibility of taking her team home. 

The 25-year-old allrounder unleashed a power-hitting display for the ages as she cleared the mid-wicket boundary with ease. 

Five sixes flew off De Klerk's bat, including the final two with the Proteas requiring 12 runs for victory, as she took the Proteas home in style with an undefeated 84 and seven balls still remaining.