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On Thursday, Mithali Raj’s Team India dropped to fifth place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 points rankings (March 24). England’s strong nine-wicket win over Pakistan on Thursday means they have a better NRR of 0.778, compared to India’s 0.768, with six points from six games.
In the other match of the day, the South African women qualified for the semifinals after their match against the West Indian women was called off due to rain. Because both WI and SA gained one point, the Proteas women now have nine points from six matches, making them the second team after Australia to advance for the semifinals.
For 2017 World Cup finalists India, the math is simple: win their final group game against South Africa on Sunday (March 27), which will serve as a virtual quarterfinal match. India would advance to the semifinals in fourth place if they win that game, putting them eight points ahead of the Windies. Even if England beat Bangladesh in their final game on Sunday, India will qualify for the semifinals in fourth place.
If India loses in the last game, Mithali Raj’s team will have to hope that England loses by a large margin to Bangladesh in order to beat them on NRR. If their final match against South Africa is postponed, India will have to hope that Bangladesh defeats England, allowing both India and the Windies to qualify.
The optimal scenario is for India to defeat South Africa comprehensively to secure a place in the semifinals while avoiding the NRR calculation.
Meanwhile, a powerful England thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets to keep themselves in contention for a place in the semifinals. England bowled first and dismissed Pakistan for a meager 105 in 41.3 overs, then chased down the goal with 184 balls to spare.
Katherine Brunt (3/17) and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/18) spearheaded England’s outstanding showing with the ball at the Hagley Oval after winning the toss and opting to field. When it was their turn to bat, Danni Wyatt led the way with an unbeaten 68-ball inning. Heather Knight, the captain, remained unbeaten on 24 in 36 deliveries.
With the big win, England not only moved up to sixth place on the table, but they also have a better net run rate than India, putting them in fourth place.
After their league match against West Indies was called off due to rain at the Basin Reserve on Thursday, South Africa became the second team to qualify for the semifinals. South Africa and the West Indies were each given one point.
South Africa followed Australia into the last-four stage with nine points from six games, while the West Indies have finished their league matches and are currently in third place with seven points from the same number of games. The contest was seen by many people. After being brought into bat, South Africa was reduced to 61 for four in just over 10 overs.
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