India miss out on semis after last-ball exit

India, who started the day with a must-win opportunity to make the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, were denied by South Africa in a last-ball thriller in Christchurch on Sunday.

South Africa had already qualified for the final four along with unbeaten Australia and the West Indies, whose place was only confirmed when India lost.

India, needing to beat South Africa if they were to pip the West Indies for the fourth semi-final spot, posted 274 for seven with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and captain Mithali Raj all scoring half-centuries. 

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.

“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.”