Indian
Women's cricket team failed to enter semi finals of the ongoing World Cup being
played in New Zealand after a heart breaking last ball loss to South Africa in
their last league game at Hagley Oval Christchurch. It was a matter of so near
yet so far for the Women- in -blue as a no ball called off Deepti Sharma foiled a valiant attempt by the team
and shattered their dream of progressing further in the tournament.
Batting
first after winning the toss, Indian women scored 274 for the loss of seven
wickets in their stipulated 50 Overs but failed to contain South Africa below
the score and lost a last ball cliffhanger .Mithali Raj led Indian side thus
bowed 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 player
of the match, was caught in the deep.
After the
loss, Captain Mithali Raj, who was playing her last world cup match, attributed
the loss and early exit from the tournament to inconsistent performance. India
scored a high of 317 for loss of 8 wickets against WI and a low of 134 all out
against England. Loss in two nail biters against Australia and South Africa
also played their part in early exit, Mithali Said.
In a
touching gesture, former Indian Captain Virat Kohli lauded the attempt of
Indian Women's team and said, "Always tough to bow out of a tournament
you aim to win but our women's team can hold their heads high. You gave it your
all and we are proud of you"
It is to be
mentioned that the Indian Women's Cricket team lost their last league match to
South Africa and finished Fifth in the points table to bow out of the World
Cup. Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies advanced to the last four
stage of the tournament.