ICC Women's World Cup: Decoding the four semi-finalists
The ongoing ICC Women's World Cup concluded its group stage with a riveting contest between India and South Africa, which the latter won by three wickets on Sunday. Australia, South Africa, England, and West Indies are the four teams that have advanced to the semi-finals. The winners of the two semi-finals would then snatch a spot in the final. Let's decode the four semi-finalists.
Why does this story matter?
Australia Women have won the most editions of the ICC Women's World Cup (5). They look promising as ever. South Africa look quite competent. But, they haven't gone past the semi-finals to date. Defending champions England (4) would be raring to level the Aussies' tally. West Indies, who were the runners-up in the 2013 Women's WC, have a shot at the title too.
How did the league stage pan out?
Australia breezed their way atop the standings, with seven wins and a NRR of +1.283. SA and England mustered five and four wins to take the second and third spots respectively. WI, with three wins, finished fourth with a NRR of -0.890. India (+0.642) and NZ Women (NR +0.207) stole three wins each. Bangladesh (sixth) and Pakistan (seventh) grabbed one win each.
Australia undefeated in their race to the semi-finals
AUS Women have had an unscathed run to the semi-finals. They were the first to propel themselves to the knockouts, riding on a seven-match unbeaten streak. Their biggest margin of victory (run-wise) was over their Trans-Tasman rival New Zealand, who they beat by 114 runs. They looked a bit shaky in their last match against Bangladesh but managed to seize a five-wicket win.
Second-placed South Africa to face third-placed England
SA last played a knockout in the 1997 Women's WC (QF). They've bettered their show in this edition. England, meanwhile, have won the tournament on four occasions (1973, 1993, 2009, 2017). In the head-to-head, SA have won merely nine games (lost 29 games and one no result). In the World Cup, the two teams have met seven times, with England winning five (2 losses).
Can West Indies topple Australia in SF?
WI are yet to have the luxury of lifting the much-coveted title. They came close in the 2013 ICC Women's World Cup but succumbed to AUSW in the final (lost by 114 runs). This time they'd be facing the Kangaroos in the semi-finals. Overall, Australia lead the head-to-head tally by a 13-1 margin. In the WC, the record is 6-1 in favor of Australia.
Key performers of all four sides in Women's World Cup
For Australia, Meg Lanning (358 runs) and Ashleigh Gardner (8 wickets) have been the mainstays. England would be resting their ambitions on Natalie Sciver (273 runs) and Sophie Ecclestone (14 wickets). For SA, Laura Wolvaardt (453 runs) has been phenomenal, and so has been Shabnam Ismail (11 wickets). WI's all-rounder Hayley Matthews (10 wickets and 226 runs) has been their biggest match-winner.
A look at the schedule for the semi-finals
Australia Women would be taking on the West Indies in the first semi-final. The match is slated to take place on March 30 at Basin Reserve, Wellington. It will commence at 3:30 AM IST. Meanwhile, the second semi-final will witness South Africa Women take on England on March 31 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The game will start off at 6:30 AM IST.
