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New Delhi - India were eliminated from the semi-final race despite winning 3-1 against South Africa in the Commonwealth Games women's hockey on Saturday.
The Indians, silver medallists in the 2006 Melbourne Games, finished with seven points from their four Pool A matches, the same as South Africa, but lost out on goal difference.
South Africa will now take on Pool B toppers New Zealand while defending champions Australia will meet England in the semi-finals.
India started out aggressively before nearly 15 000 fans at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium in the key clash and showed marked improvement in their game from earlier matches.
They earned a penalty corner in the 11th minute which was converted by midfielder Deepika Thakur after receiving a pass from Jasjeet Kaur Handa.
Deepika was on target once again with her powerful drive zipping past South African goalkeeper Vuyisanani Mangisa in the 21st.
The Indians made it 3-0 after Surinder Kaur exploited a defense lapse to score a goal at the half-time hooter.
South Africa fought back in the second half with veteran player Pietie Coetzee netting her 200th goal in her 200th international, prompting a special jig from her team-mates.
Scorers:
India:
Deepika Thakur (11th minute, 21st), Surinder Kaur (35th)
South Africa:
Pietie Coetzee (45th)
