The battle for the semi-finals of the Women's ODI World Cup is heating up. Australia, England and South Africa have already made it to the top four. Bangladesh was the first team to secure a semi-final spot, while Pakistan was the last team to be eliminated . As a result, India vs New Zealand are now fighting for the last semi-final ticket .
Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana , have not won a single match in this tournament. They are at the bottom of the table with a total of 2 points after losing 4 of their 6 matches and having 2 matches abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh are one place higher, but Nigar Sultans are also certain of an exit after losing 5 consecutive matches.
Pakistan's World Cup ended with a big 150-run defeat against South Africa at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. Batting first, the Proteas women scored 312 for 9 in 40 overs . Captain Laura Woolvert scored 90 runs, with Marijn Kapp adding 68, Sune Loos 61 and Nadine de Klerk adding 41 runs. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu took 3 wickets each for Pakistan.
Due to rain, the match was reduced to 20 overs, Pakistan's target was 234 runs under DLS rules . However, they scored only 83 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. Sidra Nawaz's innings of 22 runs was the highest for the team. Cap took 3 wickets for the Proteas.
With this win, South Africa has moved to the top of the points table with 10 points from 6 matches. Australia and England are in second and third place respectively with 9 points from 5 matches .
The battle for the last semi-final spot is now between India and New Zealand . Both teams are in fourth and fifth place respectively with 4 points from 5 matches. Sri Lanka is also surviving on paper with 4 points from 6 matches, having won 1 and lost 2 matches. They will face Pakistan in the final match.
While all teams have a chance to finish with an equal 6 points, India and New Zealand have the best chance with two matches each. If more than one team is tied on points, the final semi-finalist will be decided on the basis of net run rate.