Deepti Sharma won't be sleeping tonight: India fans heartbroken as India crash out of ICC Women's World Cup 2022

An inconsistent India crashed out of the Women's World Cup after suffering a heart-breaking three-wicket defeat against South Africa in a must-win league-stage game that went down to the wire, here on Sunday.

Smriti Mandhana (71), Shafali Verma (53) and skipper Mithali Raj (68)struck half-centuries, setting the platform for India to reach a competitive 274 for seven at the Hagley Oval.

Despite India's average bowling and fielding, the match last full distance with off-spinner Deepti Sharma needing to defend seven runs in the final over.

A well-set Mignon du Preez was caught in the deep off the penultimate ball, raising hopes of a memorable win for India. The Proteas now needed three runs off the final ball.

However, moments later the umpires ruled that Deepti had overstepped, turning India's ecstacy into agony in a matter of seconds.

Du Preez eventually hit the winning runs off the final ball and remained unbeaten on 52 to see her team through and finish second in the league stage behind Australia.

This is how Twitter reacted after India's loss to South Africa in Sunday's match:

It wasn't just the no ball which cost India the game today but sometimes an inch costs moments that takes decades to achieve and are possibly once in a lifetime achievement for many players. Disappointing end to India's campaign #IndvSA #cwc22 pic.twitter.com/2DzerovJD1— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 27, 2022

So close ! Yet so far #WomensWorldCup2022 well played @BCCIWomen _. Onwards and upwards— Ashwin __ (@ashwinravi99) 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