South Africa on Thursday became the second team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup after their league match against the West Indies was abandoned due to rain at the Basin Reserve here.
The teams were awarded one point each.
South Africa followed Australia into the last-four stage with nine points from six matches, while West Indies have completed their league engagements and are currently placed third in the standings with seven points from as many games. The match witnessed action for a little over 10 overs, with South Africa scoring 61/4.
The result means India now face a must-win game against South Africa on Sunday to progress to the knockout stage. A no result may also work in India’s favour as they have a better net run rate than Caribbeans.
Having finished their league campaign, West Indies will keenly follow the India-South Africa game and will hope for a Proteas win which will put them in the semi-finals. India are currently placed fifth with six points from as many games. Fourth placed England have the same number of points as India, but have a better run rate.
South Africa have nine points and will finish second in the round-robin stage behind unbeaten Australia, who lead with 12 points. Both teams have one group match left.
England triumph
In Christchurch, England dished out a fine all-round performance to crush Pakistan by nine wickets and keep themselves in the reckoning for a place in the semi-finals.
Bowling first, England bundled out Pakistan for a paltry 105 in 41.3 overs, and then, chased down the target with as many as 184 balls to spare.
Katherine Brunt (3/17) and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/18) led England’s brilliant display with the ball at the Hagley Oval.
When their turn to bat came, opener Danni Wyatt top-scored with an unbeaten, aggressive 68-ball 76 while captain Heather Knight remained not out on 24 in 36 deliveries.
Brief scores: Pakistan Women 105 all out in 41.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 32; Katherine Brunt 3/17, Sophie Ecclestone 3/18). England Women 107/1 in 19.2 overs (Danni Wyatt 76 not out).
