Watch: Deepti Sharma’s costly no-ball that crushed India’s World Cup dreams
A costly no-ball from the experienced Deepti Sharma hurt India badly in the closing stages of their virtual knock-out game of the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday (March 27).
Deepti got South Africa’s key batter Mignon du Preez out caught on mid-on with 3 needed off the remaining two balls. But just when it seemed the game is now well in India’s grasp, standing umpires found that the delivery was a no-ball.
The off-spinner’s heel was found in line with the popping crease on replays and Du Preez was given a fortunate reprieve when it mattered the most.
While South Africa had every reason to smile, the scenes were of despair for Deepti Sharma and the rest of the Indian team as the equation changed to 2 off 2 with a free-hit to follow.
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Deepti Sharma was left dejected after the no-ball.
Deepti Sharma’s no-ball gives Mignon du Preez a timely reprieve
Backing her strengths under pressure, Deepti Sharma delivered a well-flighted full-pitched ball to Du Preez, who, aiming for a big shot, smashed it through the mid-on region. But the slowness of the ball was such that the right-hander got absolute no timing on her stroke and was hauled out comfortably by Harmanpreet Kaur.
The Indian team immediately started celebrating the wicket while a disappointed Du Preez began walking back to the pavillion. It seemed at that point a decisive blow to South Africa’s chances and one that would seal the deal for the Indians.
Soon, however, their hopes and dreams were crushed by a no-ball call from the standing umpire, who awarded an extra run to the South African score, paving way for Du Preez to resume her innings and face the free-hit that followed.
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Du Preez then sensible took a single and left it on another in-form and experienced player Shabnim Ismail to finish off the proceedings. Ismail did exactly that with a leg-side boundary and crushed the Indian dreams.
Deepti Sharma would’ve been livid with the no-ball having done a magnificent job till that point of defending the paltry 7 runs that were required off the last 6 balls.