CWC22: India’s Road To The World Cup Tightens Up, England Registers Thumping Victory Over Pakistan

India’s road to semifinals in the Women’s World Cup has become difficult. Now India will have to win their last league match with a relatively better margin against South Africa to enter the semi-finals.

The 23rd league match between South Africa and West ended without a result due to rain and it subsequently gave top two spots to Australia and South Africa. On the other hand, England beat Pakistan by 9 wickets which kept their hope alive for semi-final qualification.

After playing 6 matches, South Africa have entered the semi-finals by reaching second place in the points table with 9 points. At the same time, Australia have already sealed their spot in the semi-finals after reaching the top with 14 points after 7 matches. In the recent match, Australia defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets, while South Africa is yet to play a match with India.

Now there is a competition between India, England and West Indies for third and fourth place. Whereas New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been out of the race for the semi-finals. England and India have to play one match each, while the West Indies’s league matches are over.

After the draw with South Africa, West Indies also have 7 points from 7 matches and have reached the third place in the points table, while England have also defeated Pakistan by 9 wickets to reach the fourth position. Whereas India is in fifth place.

England’s run rate is better than India and West Indies. West Indies’ run rate after 7 matches is -0.890. At the same time, England’s run rate after 6 matches is 0.778, while India’s is 0.768.

England’s match is with Bangladesh in which they are expected to register a win as it looks for now then their path to semi-finals will be clear.

If they face defeat against Bangladesh and India, too, faces defeat against South Africa, then third and fourth place will be decided by run rate. In such a situation, difficulties may arise for India.

While New Zealand have 4 points after 6 matches, Bangladesh have 2 points after 5 matches and Pakistan have 4 points after 6 matches.

On Thursday, England defeated Pakistan by 9 wickets. In this match played in Christchurch, the Pakistani team was bundled out for just 105 runs in 41.3 overs, in response, England achieved the target by losing one wicket in 19.2 overs. England opener Danielle Wyatt was awarded the Player of the Match award. Wyatt scored an unbeaten 76 off 68 balls with the help of 11 fours. Captain Heather Knight scored an unbeaten 24 off 36 balls.