Women’s WC 2022: IND vs SA Review – India crash out after a thriller
The India Women tasted an agonising three-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in Match 28 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The contest that went down to the wire saw the Proteas hold their nerves despite losing their set batters towards the backend of their run chase.
The loss has all but ended India’s Women’s World Cup campaign as the West Indies the likes of Australia, England and South Africa to compete in the semifinals. The Indian eves were outstanding with the bat but it was their bowling that yet again let them down while defending a decent total.
Mignon du Preez knocks India out of the Women’s World Cup
Chasing 275, South Africa lost Lizelle Lee early before star batter Laura Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall carried out the rescue act with a 125-run stand for the second wicket. Power-hitter Harmanpreet Kaur castled the dangerous Wolvaardt for a 79-ball 80 before Rajeshwari Gayakwad dismissed Goodall for 49 to bring India back in the game.
Nonetheless, they could not afford to relax as the Proteas batters were building important partnerships, but it was Mignon du Preez that showed fearless intent while anchoring the South African chase. Skipper Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp also made handy contributions of 22 and 32 respectively and a crucial knock of 17 by tail-ender Chloe Tryon also helped South Africa’s cause.
Du Preez single-handedly took the match to the last over despite running out of partners before she was caught by Harmanpreet Kaur at long-on off Deepti Sharma on the penultimate delivery of the match. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a front foot no-ball and the batter made the most of her reprieve by hitting the winning runs. Preez remained unbeaten on 52 off 63 balls.
Earlier after winning the toss and electing to bat first, star openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma added a solid foundation for India with a 91-run stand. Mandhana scored 71 off 84 deliveries while Shafali scored a 46-ball 53. Impactful knocks from skipper Mithali Raj (68) and Harmanpreet Kaur (48) propelled India to a stiff total of 274/7 from their 50 overs.
