'Are you kidding': Cricket world erupts over 'unacceptable' drama
The cricket world watched on in disbelief as India were knocked out of the ODI World Cup in dramatic circumstances to send the West Indies through to face Australia in the semi-final.
Chasing 275 for victory, South Africa hit seven off the final Deepti Sharma over to end the tournament of one the 2017 finalists.
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However, it was the second-last ball that had the cricket world in shock.
Needing three off the final two deliveries, Mignon du Preez was caught in the deep as India celebrated what they presumed was a crucial wicket.
Although replays showed Deepti Sharma had bowled a front foot no-ball.
Du Preez hit one off the subsequent free hit, before South Africa finished with a single off the final ball.
The cricket world reacted to the insane drama in the final over.
Many praised Sharma for having the courage to take the ball in such nerve-racking circumstances.
💥The unfortunate no-ball that dashed India hopes.
Deepti Sharma had Mignon du Preez dismissed in the final over, but it was overturned as she'd over-stepped!#CricketMasterUpdater pic.twitter.com/n8uVajgAGF— Live Cricket Master Updater (@MohsinM55415496) March 27, 2022
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! #NoBall #INDvSA
— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) March 27, 2022
For what it’s worth, I don’t think any other Indian bowler on the field today would have executed as well Deepti. For someone to come in after spending a couple of games on the bench and bowled all the crucial overs, is pretty incredible. #INDvSA #TeamIndia #DeepuIsTheRealDeal
— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) March 27, 2022
No, No, No, Deepti Sharma wont be sleeping tonight. Get that foot behind the line. All bowlers have done it. It always hurts. It's sport the sun comes up tomorrow. What a match to lead into the finals. Great stuff both teams. @BCCIWomen @OfficialProteas #INDvSA #WWC2022
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) March 27, 2022
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. #IndvSA #CWC22
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 27, 2022
Trend of no-ball continues to be decider for the team India in the ICC events.
Spinners bowling a no ball is rare and highly unacceptable#INDvSA #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/thUmpsoOAU— Parvez khan AKA Pez (@mparvez7) March 27, 2022
Wait.. no no its the biggest no ball after Bumrahs no ball of ct17#CWC22 #TeamIndia #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/BbnCpctxJb
— 𝙿𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙴𝙴𝚃𝙷 𝚁𝙴𝙳𝙳𝚈 (@praneethreddy33) March 27, 2022
Indian Cricket team and the "No ball" in the important games a very painful story 💔 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/VvYppFcAz7
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) March 27, 2022
Australia to face West Indies in World Cup semi-final
It means South Africa will come up against England in the second semi-final on Thursday, while the undefeated Australians duel with West Indies on Wednesday.
Unbeaten in their past 10 matches against West Indies, Australia are hopeful of Ellyse Perry returning from a back injury for the knockout clash.
But despite their unwanted record in all formats against Australia, West Indies do have a favourable history in big games.
They won their last finals match in a World Cup tournament, shocking Australia in the decider of the T20s in the Caribbean in 2016.
On that night Hayley Matthews hit 66 and Stefanie Taylor 59, with that loss and the defeat at hands of India in the 2017 ODI World Cup prompting a rethink of tactics in Australian circles.
Seven West Indies players still remain from that match, while six Australians remain.
with AAP
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