IndianWomen's cricket team failed to enter semi finals of the ongoing World Cup beingplayed in New Zealand after a heart breaking last ball loss to South Africa intheir last league game at Hagley Oval Christchurch. It was a matter of so nearyet so far for the Women- in -blue as a no ball called off Deepti Sharma foiled a valiant attempt by the teamand shattered their dream of progressing further in the tournament.
Battingfirst after winning the toss, Indian women scored 274 for the loss of sevenwickets in their stipulated 50 Overs but failed to contain South Africa belowthe score and lost a last ball cliffhanger .Mithali Raj led Indian side thusbowed out of the tournament. With three needed off 2 balls by South Africa,Deepti Sharma bowled a no ball on which Magnum du Preez , the eventual playerof the match, was caught in the deep.
After theloss, Captain Mithali Raj, who was playing her last world cup match, attributedthe loss and early exit from the tournament to inconsistent performance. Indiascored a high of 317 for loss of 8 wickets against WI and a low of 134 all outagainst England. Loss in two nail biters against Australia and South Africaalso played their part in early exit, Mithali Said.
In atouching gesture, former Indian Captain Virat Kohli lauded the attempt ofIndian Women's team and said, "Always tough to bow out of a tournamentyou aim to win but our women's team can hold their heads high. You gave it yourall and we are proud of you"
It is to bementioned that the Indian Women's Cricket team lost their last league match toSouth Africa and finished Fifth in the points table to bow out of the WorldCup. Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies advanced to the last fourstage of the tournament.