ICC Women's Cricket World Cup: Heartbreak For India As South Africa Win Last-Ball Thriller To Land Knockout Blow

India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World Cup ended in heartbreak as South Africa won a last-ball thriller at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday. The loss meant that India failed to make it into the top four, with Australia, South Africa, England and the West Indies making it to the semis. India came agonisingly close to beating South Africa, which would have sealed their place in the semis, but a no-ball in the final over the match by Deepti Sharma cost the Indians dear.

Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Mithali Raj helped India post 274 for seven in 50 overs.

Mandhana (71) and Verma (53) put on 91 in their opening stand while Mandhana and Raj (68) added 80 for the third wicket with a score in excess of 300 on the cards until South Africa restricted India to just 51 runs in the final 10 overs.

South Africa, needing to produce their highest successful ODI chase to win, saw Laura Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall take the total to 139 for one by the 27th over.

The chase lost steam when Goodall was out for 49, with Wolvaardt gone for 80 in the following over.

But a late charge led by Mignon du Preez (52 not out) saw South Africa home, with du Preez scoring the winning run on the final ball of the match.

"It will probably take some time to settle the emotions" said Raj.

Promoted

"It went to the last ball so I think it is good for the sport but definitely for the Indian team it ends our campaign."

With inputs from AFP