Emphatic victories by Australia and India saw them to the top of the league table after the fourth round of matches in the Women’s Cricket World Cup on Monday.
Tournament favourites and four-times world champions Australia head the table with 18 points, and a net run rate of 1,39, after their 97-run win over South Africa at the LC de Villiers Oval.
Australia made 256 for five in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a century by Lisa Keightley, and 46 runs for Karen Rolton. South Africa did not help their cause by conceding 43 extras, 33 of them wides.
South Africa replied with 159 for nine in their 49 overs. They were docked on over because of a slow over rate. The top scorer for South Africa was Cri-Zelda Brits, who made 49.
South Africa need to cause an upset and beat either England or New Zealand if they are to reach the semifinals.
India secured a seven-wicket victory over England at the Laudium Oval. They also have 18 points, and a net run rate of 1.27. England won the toss and batted first. They were all out for 139 in the 50th over. Jhulan Gosami took four wickets for 27 runs, and Neeta David took three for 23. Charlotte Edwards made 58 runs, and Arran Brindle made an undefeated 51.
India replied with 141 for three in 45.5 overs. Anjum Chopra made 64 and Rumeli Dhar 42.
At Willowmore Park in Benoni, the West Indies secured their first win of the tournament, beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets.
Sri Lanka won the toss and batted first. They were all out for 152 in 48,1 overs. Shashikala Siriwardena made 52 and Swini de Alwis 32. Verena Felicien took two wickets for 13 runs.
The West Indies took 37,2 overs to reach the winning target, scoring 156 for two. Nelly Williams made 70.
In the match between defending champions New Zealand and qualifiers Ireland at Harlequins, Ireland were all out for 91 in 49 overs. Helen Watson took three wickets for 19.
New Zealand wasted no time in scoring the required runs, needing just 18 overs and two balls to make 95 for one. Aimee Mason was not out on 49, and she and Maia Lewis (38) had a second-wicket partnership of 83.
The fifth round of matches will be played on Wednesday. — Sapa