India book semis berth in women World Cup cricket

MUMBAI, Apr 4 (UNI): India will take on reigning world champions New Zealand in the semifinals of the women's World Cup cricket tournament after heavy rain across Pretoria in South Africa washed out all matches in the final round of the group stage.

According to information received here, Australia will face England in the other semi-final which will be played later today, while New Zealand will take on India on Thursday.

The rain also washed away South Africa's chance to automatically qualify for the next World Cup- by the lowest margin of just one run.

Had they scored 127 instead of 126 against Sri Lanka, they would have gained a bonus point and qualified for the next World Cup by finishing sixth.

Now, since the rains prevented them playing against New Zealand today, they will have to come through the qualifying rounds.

The top four along with West Indies and Sri Lanka have guaranteed their places at the next tournament.

India finished their league campaign with 30 points, while New Zealand had 29 points.

The wash-out means that for the second time during the tournament each team will pick up three points for a no result.

The opening round of matches was also disrupted by rain.

India was to have played log leaders, Australia, in round seven while Sri Lanka was to have played Ireland; South Africa against New Zealand; and West Indies with England.

The organisers have decided that Wednesday and Friday will be set aside as reserve days far each semi final should rain prevent a result on the scheduled day.