Indian women lost the chance to make it to the semifinals in the hockey competitions as they went down 3-2 against South Africa at the Glasgow hockey centre here on Wednesday.
Left in a must-win situation after having lost to New Zealand the other day, the Indians looked to have come well-prepared as they kept the South Africans on the back foot for a while in the first half.
But the South Africans after settling down came up with raids with great consistency and precision.
One of these moves resulted in the side gaining a penalty corner in the 14th minute, which was converted by Tarryn Bright.
The Indians tried to make a comeback but in vain as the girls were unable to pierce through the tight South African defence.
However, with about a minute left for the breather, India found parity as Jaspreet Kaur converted a penalty stroke.
But hardly had the cheers died down, that the South Africans were back in the lead. Dirkie Chamberlain found space within the Indian circle to slot the ball in.
After the break, the Indians started off well but again their attempts were thwarted by the South African defence. Soon South Africa got the third goal that put the issue beyond doubt.
The result: South Africa 3 (Tarry Bright, Dirkie Chamberlain, Illse Davids) bt 2 (Jaspreet Kaur, Rani Rampal).