India’s World Cup dream went in vain as the women’s team of India lost the do or die match to South Africa by 3 wickets at Hagley Oval on Sunday, 27th March. The no ball of Deepti Sharma to Du Preez in the 50th over, which almost closed the door for South Africa for the semis, snatched the knockout space for India, Du Preez was caught at deep long on.
India had to win the match as they were only 1 point short to get into the semi-finals, but their loss meant West Indies qualified with 7 points in the group stage.
The women’s Indian team lost the final by inches in the previous edition of the women’s World Cup in 2017 at Lord’s.
Batting first Mithali-led put on a formidable score of 274, thanks to Smiriti Mandhana’s 71 off 84 balls and Shefali’s 53 runs, which gave India a flying start. Afterward, the joint effort of captain Mithali Raj and vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 68 & 48 respectively took India past 250.
Indian bowler’s did not really trouble the Proteas women’s side, despite losing an early wicket they were comfortably moving towards the chase. Opener Wolvaardt added 80 off 79 deliveries, while M Du Preez hit the winning runs, after a crucial survival in the 49.5 over due to a no ball.
India again lost a nail biter due to no ball, which reminds of India’s men’s exit in the 2016 T20 World Cup against West Indies in the semis. Multiple no balls from bowlers cost India the cup.
Senior Cricket Content Editor at Skyblogs Cricket.
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