South Africa became the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 after their match against West Indies was abandoned due to rain on Thursday. The two teams shared points. 

With four wins and a draw in six matches, South Africa has nine points. Sune Luus and co, currently second on the points table, cannot be pushed out of top four and will now proceed to the next stage. 

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On the other hand, West Indies, currently placed third on the points table, have completed their seven matches in the group stage. Stafanie Taylor and co have as many points in their kitty. Their semifinal hopes depend on the outcome of Sunday’s match between South Africa and fourth-place India.

South Africa were reeling at 61/4 in the first innings when play was called off at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. 

The West Indies won the toss, bowled and South Africa slipped to 22-4 before a partnership between Mignon du Preez (38) and Marizanne Kapp (5) righted the innings.

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“Everybody’s extremely excited and happy to be in the semis,” South Africa captain Sune Luus said.

“It wasn’t the best of starts but we still have to take the positives out of today — the way Mignon batted was one. She has been shy of runs in the competition and she needed that for her confidence.”

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor praised her bowlers, especially On Chinelle Henry. The team needs South Africa to beat India. 

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 “It’s not the way we liked but we can’t do much about, something we can’t control. We started off well, we were hoping we would have a game. Our bowlers have been fantastic. (On Chinelle Henry) Whenever she bowls against SA, she takes wickets. She was in a great rhythm. We’ll probably have some popcorn and hope South Africa do beat India. That’s something we can’t control, but we do hope that it goes our way,” Taylor said after the match. 

Defending champion England also enhanced its semifinal prospects Thursday when it beat Pakistan by nine wickets to move into fourth place.