Women's World Cup 2022: Deepti Sharma's no-ball in last over leads to dramatic scenes in IND vs SA game

The last clash of the league stage in the Women’s World Cup between India and South Africa brought the best out of Women in Blue. Despite excelling with bat and bowl, Mithali Raj & Co. suffered a heartbreak that ended their World Cup campaign by three wickets. Undoubtedly, the game was full of thrill and excitement, but the real drama unfolded in the last over, which left millions of Indian cricket fans shocked, stunned and disappointed.

While South Africa needed just six off 5 with 4 wickets in hand, the game came down to wire as the over progressed. Such was the game’s intensity that Harmanpreet Kaur dismissed Trisha Chetty by running her out in the second ball of the over. Now South Africa needed five of four balls with three wickets in hand.

The event that ended India’s hopes came on the fifth ball of the over when Sharma bowled a beautiful loopy delivery to lure Mignon du Preez into a fancy lofted shot, which she did. But could not time it well which resulted in Kaur taking an easy catch at long-on.

When it seemed like India had firmed their grip in the match, and Preez was walking back to pavilion, the drama unfolded. The on-field umpire asked the batter to stay as they were checking for a no-ball. And least to everyone’s expectation, Deepti Sharma had overstepped. Everyone in blue was left stunned, while South Africa were delighted as their chances of winning the thriller were still alive.

The no-ball cost India a place into semis as Mithali Raj-led side were knocked out of the tournament. With India’s loss, West Indies made it to the semis by one point, while England, South Africa, Australia had qualified earlier. The first semifinal will be played between Australia and West Indies on 30 March. Meanwhile, England and South Arica will battle it out in the second semifinal on 31 March. The final will be played on for 3 April.