India’s chances of reaching the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup received a big jolt on Thursday (March 24) after the match between South Africa and West Indies was abandoned due to rain.
South Africa reach semi-final
South Africa and West Indies received one point each because of the washout and this one point helped South Africa in ensuring a semi-final spot for them in the World Cup. The Sune Luus-led side will take on the Indian team on March 27 (Sunday).
On the other hand, West Indies finished their league-stage matches after claiming seven points. The Stafanie Taylor-led team are currently at third spot in the World Cup standings. Indian team managed to win three matches in the ongoing World Cup, till now as they lost in their remaining three matches. The Indian team were defeated by New Zealand, England, and Australia.
India's chances
A win for India in their last league-stage match against South Africa will help them in bagging eight points and this will also help them in overtaking West Indies. But India’s defeat against South Africa and England’s victory against Bangladesh will simply mean Indian team can not qualify for the next stage.
Notably, England defeated Pakistan on Thursday (March 24) and the defending champions secured a comfortable nine-wicket victory against Pakistan. England currently have six points after playing six matches.
In the match against Pakistan, England won the toss and decided to bowl first. Pakistan were bundled out scoring just 105 runs in 41.3 overs. For England, their fast bowler Katherine Brunt and left-arm spinner picked up three wickets each as Kate Cross and skipper Knight claimed one wicket each.
In reply, the defending champions needed just 19.2 overs to reach the target after losing one wicket. Their opening batter Danni Wyatt scored 76 runs (not out) off 68 balls to help her side in clinching an important victory. Her innings was comprised of 11 boundaries.
The Heather Knight-led side will face seventh-placed Bangladesh in their last league-stage match on March 27 (Sunday). On the other hand, Australia previously became the first team to qualify for the semi-final after they managed to win all their six matches in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup.
