‘This is crazy’: India’s heartbreaking World Cup exit after final-over blunder

India has been knocked out of the World Cup after a front-foot no-ball potentially robbed the powerhouse nation of a semi-finals berth.

After three weeks of competitive cricket, it all came down to an inch.

India has been knocked out of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in dramatic fashion, with a front-foot no-ball in the final over of South Africa’s run chase potentially robbing the powerhouse nation of a semi-finals berth.

South Africa miraculously pulled off the second-largest run chase in Women’s World Cup history to knock the 2017 finalists out of the 50-over tournament in New Zealand.

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Indian skipper Mithali Raj won the toss and elected to bat first at Hagley Oval, with the No. 4 ranked nation registering 7/274 in the first innings.

Raj topscored with 68 for the Indians, who needed nothing less than a victory to progress through to the knockouts, while openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma both cracked quick-fire half-centuries.

South Africa was seemingly on track to chase the 275-run target when opener Laura Wolvaardt and No. 3 batter Lara Goodall combined for a 125-run partnership for the second wicket.

But steady wickets in the middle overs kept India in the contest, setting up a nailbiting final over in Christchurch.

South African wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty was run out chasing a dubious double in the 50th over, making the equation five runs required from four balls with three wickets in hand.

The following two deliveries where both singles, meaning the South Africans suddenly needed three runs from the final two balls.

Indian spinner Deepti Sharma snared a crucial breakthrough on what should have been the penultimate delivery of the match, with Mignon du Preez skewing a shot directly to the long-on fielder, who held onto a regulation catch.

But in a dramatic twist, replays showed that Sharma had marginally overstepped the popping crease — the Indian celebrations halted and du Preez waltzed back to the middle.

Instead of needing three runs from the final delivery for victory, South Africa only required two runs from two balls. Meanwhile, strike batter du Preez was still at the crease and the next delivery would be a free hit.

Mignon du Preez hits the winning runs. Photo by Peter Meecham/Getty Images

India react after being knocked out. Photo by Kai Schwoerer-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Shabnim Ismail and du Preez, who was later named player of the match for her unbeaten 52, got the job done on the final delivery to send the Indians packing.

“The girls have given it all knowing the importance of today’s game,” Raj said after the defeat.

“It was a good game, good for the sport but it ends our campaign.”

It was only the second time a chasing team had reached the target on the last ball of a Women’s World Cup match.

Former England bowler and Fox Cricket presenter Isa Guha tweeted: “Absolutely heartbroken for India.”

Cricket broadcaster Harsha Bhogle posted: “Such an emotional rollercoaster. The pressure in such games is enormous. Wasn’t to be for India today. At the end of 7 games, it comes down to a quarter inch over the line.”

Indian Test great VVS Laxman tweeted: “Oh dear. So near yet so far. Disappointment for the Indian girls, they tried their best but it was a game of tight margins and credit to South Africa for maintaining their nerves.”

Lancashire cricketer Alex Hartley posted: “Oh hell! This is crazy. Heartbreak for India!”

The barest of all margins #CWC22pic.twitter.com/EJZqHkqmb3

— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) March 27, 2022

Heartbreak for India. Knocked out, in all probability, by a no-ball.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) March 27, 2022

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! #NoBall#INDvSA

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) March 27, 2022

The result means Australia will face the West Indies in their semi-final, while South Africa will take on reigning champions England, who are coming off four consecutive victories.

Australia’s must-win semi-final will take place on Wednesday morning AEDT, with the first ball scheduled for 9am.

Meg Lanning’s side was undefeated in the group stage of the tournament, comprehensively beating the West Indies by seven wickets earlier this month.

Originally published as ‘This is crazy’: India’s heartbreaking World Cup exit after final-over blunder