South Africa became the second team to qualify for the knockout stages of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup after rain forced their match against West Indies on Thursday (March 24) to be abandoned. Previously, Australia qualified for the semi-final after winning all their six matches.
Match abandoned
Only 10.5 overs were bowled in the game between South Africa and West Indies as relentless rain ultimately forced the match to be abandoned. The point helped South Africa to book their berth in the semi-final and West Indies on the other hand, managed to overtake India but their qualification is still not guaranteed. West Indies are currently at third spot in the World Cup standings with seven points.
In the match, West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor won the toss and decided to bowl first. The decision seemed to pay off as South Africa struggled after losing their first four wickets within just 22 runs in a match that was cut down to 26 overs a side.
In 10.5 overs the Sune Luus-led side managed to score 61/4 but ultimately rain halted the progress of the match.
For West Indies, their right-arm pacer Chinelle Henry picked up three wickets as another fast bowler Shamilia Connell scalped one wicket.
The South Africa team have already qualified for the semi-final but they still have one more game to play at the league stage. They will take on the Mithali Raj-led Indian team in the final game of the league stage. The match between India and South Africa will take place on March 27 (Sunday).
India's calculation
Indian team are currently at fourth position in the World Cup standings and a win against South Africa will help them in ensuring a semi-final berth for them. But a defeat for the Indian team against South Africa will complicate things for the Mithali Raj-led side as their fortunes will depend on England’s results.
England team are currently at fifth spot in the World Cup standings as they have bagged four points after playing five matches. In the last match of the league stage, the defending champions will take on Bangladesh on March 27.
