Women’s World Cup: Disappointed Mithali Raj hints at retirement after India’s early exit; says everything must come to an end

Legendary India captain Mithali Raj hinted at retirement post India’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup. The skipper was disappointed as she reflected on India’s defeat to South Africa in a last-over thriller in their final group game of the World Cup at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.

Mithali Raj is likely to out an end to a celebrated career, in which she played 6 World Cups. The influential Indian skipper had led the team to the final of the 2017 World Cup but an inconsistent run meant India were not able to give their skipper a good farewell.

Mithali Raj and her team were left heartbroken as South Africa successfully chased down a 275-run target after plenty of drama in the last over. Defending 7 runs in the final over, off-spinner Deepti Sharma over-stepped when well-set batter Mignon du Preez was caught at long on.

The moment of elation turned into despair as the equation as India offered Mignon, who was batting on fifty, another opportunity. The South Africa star made full use of the chance as she helped the Proteas women get past the finish line in the final delivery with 3 wickets to spare.

India had headed into their final group game against unbeaten South Africa, needing nothing less than a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.