Legendary India captain Mithali Raj hinted at retirement after India's early exit from the Ladies's World Cup. The 39-year-old skipper was deflated as she mirrored on India's defeat to South Africa in a last-over thriller of their closing group sport of the World Cup on the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.

Mithali Raj is prone to convey the curtains down on a celebrated profession, wherein she performed 6 World Cups. The influential Indian skipper had led the staff to the ultimate of the 2017 World Cup however an inconsistent run meant India weren't capable of give their skipper a becoming farewell.

Mithali Raj and her ladies have been left heartbroken as South Africa efficiently chased down a 275-run goal after loads of drama within the final over. Defending 7 runs within the closing over, off-spinner Deepti Sharma over-stepped when well-set batter Mignon du Preez was caught at lengthy on.

The second of happiness become despair because the equation as India provided Mignon, who was batting on fifty, one other alternative. The South Africa star made full use of the chance as she helped the Proteas girls get previous the end line within the closing supply with 3 wickets to spare.

India had headed into their closing group sport in opposition to unbeaten South Africa, needing nothing lower than a victory to maintain their semi-final hopes alive.

Replace: India’s marketing campaign within the #CWC22 involves an finish. South Africa wanted 1 off the ultimate ball and managed to attain the successful run.

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EMOTIONAL MITHALI HINTS AT RETIREMENT

India missed senior pacer Jhulan Goswami's providers as she suffered a niggle.

The heartbreak may effectively mark the top of the wonderful careers of Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. Two senior campaigners had hinted earlier than the World Cup that this could possibly be their final match in Indian colors.

Talking after the defeat, Mithali stated: "All the things ought to come to an finish, it's going to take time to settle the feelings, however that's sport. Due to everybody who turned out for each Indian sport, it was good to listen to your cheers and hold supporting the women and the Indian girls's staff sooner or later."

"Her expertise (Jhulan Goswami) would have added loads, however this was an publicity for the opposite ladies to step up," Mithali added.

THE GIRLS GAVE THEIR ALL

The skipper, who finishes because the main run-getter in girls's cricket, lauded the staff for his or her efforts and never-say-die angle even within the tense scenario in opposition to South Africa.

"I personally really feel the women gave all of it, it was an vital sport, was a superb sport, it ended our marketing campaign, however I am pleased with the women for coming to this point. With the bowlers we had, I assumed 275 was a superb complete, we had defended comparable totals prior to now," she added.

Mithali Raj had hit a fifty (68 from 84) after opener Smritit Mandhana hit a quickfire 71 to assist India put up 274. Regardless of India pulling issues again with the ball, South Africa held their nerves and gunned down the goal to interrupt one million hearts again in India.

Mithali, who made her debut in 1999, performed 231 ODIs and hit 7737 runs, a girls's ODI document which included 7 a whole bunch. She performed 12 Assessments and 89 T20Is as effectively.