India failed to qualify for the semifinals on the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, losing by three wickets to South Africa. Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and skipper Mithali Raj all hit half-centuries, laying the groundwork for India to reach a competitive 274 for seven in their must-win game against at the Hagley Oval.

Verma (53 off 46 balls) and Mandhana (71 off 84 balls) put on a 91-run stand off 90 balls for the first wicket, giving India the start they needed. Harmanpreet Kaur finished the innings with 48 runs off 57 balls.

However, the bowlers could not contain the Proteas, who successfully chased the target. 

Also Read|ICC women’s world cup: West Indies face Aus, Eng to battle SA in semifinals

India’s journey in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022

India vs Pakistan

India defeated Pakistan by 107 runs in the opening match of the 2022 Women’s World Cup at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui to kick off the tournament with a bang. To keep the scoring rate under control while defending the 245-run total, the Indian bowlers bowled a tight line and length throughout their run-chase. Jhulan Goswami and Sneh Rana each took two wickets, but Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the most dangerous spinner, taking four in her quota of ten overs. Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar each struck half-centuries to push the innings total above 240 runs.

India vs New Zealand

In their second league stage match, India was defeated by New Zealand by  62 runs. Mithali Raj and co were dismissed for 198, chasing 261 runs. Harmanpreet Singh top-scored with a 63-ball 71, Raj added 31 off 56 balls, while opener Yastika Bhatia struck 28 off 59 balls.

Also Read|South Africa beat India, Mithali Raj and co eliminated from Women’s World Cup

India vs West Indies

India defeated West Indies by 155 runs in Hamilton to claim their second triumph in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. West Indies were bowled out for 162 runs while chasing a score of 318. Earlier, Yastika Bhatia’s strong start and centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur helped India post 317 for 8 in 50 overs.

India vs England

England defeated India by four wickets.

Jhulan Goswami and Meghna Singh both dismissed England openers Tammy Beaumont and Dani Wyatt early in their innings as India attempts to defend a score of 135. Goswami became the first woman to take 250 wickets in one-day internationals. Nat Sciver, on the other hand, hammered 45 runs in 46 balls to all but ensure that England does not falter in the chase. Heather Knight, England’s captain, played the anchor position and produced an unbeaten half-century in the chase, which they won with four wickets and with 20 overs to spare.

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India vs Australia

Australia orchestrated the highest chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history when they piiped India’s total of 277 runs in a six-wicket win. The victory ensured a semifinals berth for the Aussies. Half-centuries from skipper Mithali Raj (68 off 96 balls), Yastika Bhatia (59 off 83 balls), and Harmanpreet Kaur (57 not out off 47 balls) all went in vain vs Meg Lanning’s side. 

India vs Bangladesh

India defeated Bangladesh by a massive margin of 110 runs in the must-win match at Seddon Park in Hamilton during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Sneh Ran led the team to win with an all-around performance of 4/30 with the ball and 27 off 23 balls with the bat. Yastika Bhatia and Pooja Vastrakar also made significant contributions.

Also Read|England clinches semifinal place at Women’s World Cup

India vs South Africa

India required a win against South Africa in the final league match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 on Sunday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to advance to the semi-finals. And the 2017 finalists came close. India chose to score runs in the high-pressure game, whereas their opponents took the field in their last league game having already qualified for the semifinals. Shafali (53 off 46 balls) and Smriti (71 off 84 balls) put on a 91-run stand off 90 balls for the first wicket, giving India the start they needed. Harmanpreet Kaur finished the innings with 48 runs off 57 balls.