West Indies keep their Women's World Cup hopes alive after wash out against South Africa

The West Indies women currently sit at third position with their ICC Women’s World Cup future uncertain as South Africa secures their semi-final spot.

West Indies celebrate after dismissing Lizelle Lee of South Africa during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and West Indies at Basin Reserve on March 24, 2022, in Wellington, New Zealand (Photo: ICC)

Rain forced the abandonment of the West Indies Women's final group league match at Basin Reserve against South Africa Women at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.

Both teams earned one point each. With it, the West Indies Women move to third on the standings with 7 points and now await the outcome of the South Africa-India match on March 27.

Should South Africa win, the West Indies will secure a semi-final berth, should India win, then the West Indies will be eliminated.

South Africa’s bowling has been their principal asset throughout the tournament as their leading batters– who did manage 38 not out against the Maroon Warriors – have struggled for form in New Zealand.

This result hauled South Africa up to nine points and second in the standings and leaving West Indies’ hopes of progression hanging in the balance.

South Africa’s women have never won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy.

The weather had thrown Thursday’s game into doubt but after eventually taking to the field in a game cut to 26 overs, the West Indies got off to a thrilling start.

Chinelle Henry (three for 19) and Shamilia Connell’s (one for 18) blistering new ball spells reduced South Africa to 22 for four before Du Preez led the recovery with a batting 38 not out.

Shamilia Connell of the West Indies bowls during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and West Indies at Basin Reserve on March 24, 2022, in Wellington, New Zealand (Photo: ICC)

West Indies now sit third but know their semi-final fate is out of their hands, fretting on the fortunes of India and England who can leapfrog them into the top four if they win their final matches against South Africa and Bangladesh respectively.

Skipper Stafanie Taylor said: “It's not the way we would have liked, but we can't do much about it and it’s something we can't control. We were hoping that we would have had a game – but now, we will probably have some popcorn and hope that South Africa do beat India for us to give a chance.

“It's something we can't control but do hope it goes our way. If we go to the semis, you just have to go out and play, does not matter if it's a niggle or an injury, you have to step up. It comes down to how badly you want it.”

(ICC)