India's campaign in the Women's World Cup ended with a heartbreaking loss by 3 wickets. The women in blue needed a win to quality and despite playing well, they were not good enough to beat the Proteas.
Going into the match, India had six points in their kitty with three wins and as many losses in six games. South Africa, on the other hand, had already qualified for the top four with four wins, one loss, and one No-result game, which gave them one point.
Coming to the game, the Mithali Raj-led side won the toss and elected to bat first. They had a great start as Shafali Varma (53) and Smriti Mandhana stitched a partnership of 91 runs in 15 overs. The former's innings was cut short by virtue of a run-out.
The next batter, Yastika Bhatia (2) was clean bowled by Chloe Tyron. The innings from Mandhana (71), Raj (68), and Harmanpreet Kaur (48) ensured the team reach 274/7. However, at 176/3, the team looked like crossing the 300-run mark but their ambitions were crushed by good death overs bowling from the Women in Green and Gold.
For the Sune Luus-led side, Shabnam Ismail and Masabata Klass took two wickets each while Ayabonga Khaka and Chloe Tyron took one each.
In reply, the Proteas lost an early wicket of Lizelle Lee in the form of a run-out at the score of 14. However, the likes of Lara Goodall (49) and Laura Wolaardt (80) took the team to 132. The former was stumped by Richa Ghosh and the latter followed soon after, being clean bowled by Kaur. The innings got derailed a bit in the middle overs due to two quick wickets. However, the steady innings from Mignon du Preez (52*) and Marizanne Kapp (32) ensured the team cross the line on the last ball of the game.
Du Preez was caught in the second last ball of the match. However, it was found that the delivery was a no-ball. South would have needed 3 off the last ball if that wasn't a no ball.
This is how Twitter reacted
Admit it,
β Female Cricket #CWC22 (@imfemalecricket) March 27, 2022
Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami deserved a better farewell. π
#CWC22 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/DmKBm3LAAZ
Wait.. no no its the biggest no ball after Bumrahs no ball of ct17#CWC22 #TeamIndia #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/BbnCpctxJb
β πΏππ°π½π΄π΄ππ· ππ΄π³π³π (@praneethreddy33) March 27, 2022
#TeamIndia played so damn well. This was a great tournament for them even if they didn't qualify for semis. They fought hard in each game. I did two shows with @vijaylokapally and @MissDasTweets on #ICCWomensWorldCup2022 because they deserve all the attention & admiration. Proud. pic.twitter.com/WshGOilCKo
β Priyata Brajabasi (@PriyataB) March 27, 2022
You've won our hearts π
β Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 27, 2022
Chin up girls, you fought well ππΌ#INDvSA #TeamIndia #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/YpcInTDGSx
Very tough on #TeamIndia to get knocked out of the #CWC22 off the last ball of the game, but what an incredible finish (again) by @OfficialCSA. Incredible team performance. Glad @LauraWolvaardt is saving that 100 she owes me for the semis #BePartOfTheForce #AlwaysRising
β Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) March 27, 2022
Something always hurts!#CWC22 #TeamIndia #NoBalls pic.twitter.com/dJyPqHfwjS
β RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) March 27, 2022
Well played #TeamIndia ππ
β Shashikanta Sahoo (@Shashik40983107) March 27, 2022
Proud of you all, No ball cost it but doesn't matter you are all won our heart with your efforts. You are always be our Hero. Indian Cricket Team β₯ We are always with you :) pic.twitter.com/BGGGPeWGQd
I feel sad and I can't even imagine what the players must be going through right now. Better luck next time! Stay strong. πͺπΌπͺπΌππΌππΌππππ #CWC22 #INDvSA #TeamIndia #HamaraBlueBandhan
β villanelle (@sssshshshh) March 27, 2022
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It's a biggest No ball once again Team India women After Bumrah in CT2017 Final match..π
β Raja Imranπ΅π°π΅πΈ (@RajaImranOO7) March 27, 2022
What a chase from the Protea Women!
Brilliant!! πΏπ¦
#INDvSA @SuneLuus @kappie777#TeamIndia#CWC22 pic.twitter.com/B2uyALOeqe
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Well played
β SHAHRUKH RAZA (@Mohamma25199608) March 27, 2022
Agli baar jarur jitenge insaallah #TeamIndia #indiawomen pic.twitter.com/Wvcf3Ge7n2
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Hard luck girls π Better luck next time !#INDvSA #CWC22 #CricketTwitter #Cricket #teamindia pic.twitter.com/1YQQiqQJAE
β Karthik (@Kartokarthi7) March 27, 2022
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