Women’s World Cup 2022: Here’s how the points table stands after New Zealand-South Africa clash

The hosts New Zealand suffered their third defeat in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2022 against South Africa by two wickets at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. South Africa, on the other hand, have been on an excellent run so far, having won all four games they have played, and are looking strong at the moment to make it to the semi-finals. The women in green have now stabilised their second position in the points table while the white ferns are at the fourth position with two wins in five games.

New Zealand batted first after winning the toss and lost a big wicket of Suzie Bates straightaway for just four runs. Amelia Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine stitched an 81-run partnership for the second wicket after which Kerr and Satterthwaite fell in quick succession.

However, Devine managed to take the innings forward with an excellent 93 off 101 deliveries while contributions from Maddy Green (30) and Brooke Halliday (24) helped to post a total of 228 in 47.5 overs. Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka picked three wickets each for the South Africa side.

In reply, the South Africa side reached the target with three balls to spare as Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Sune Luus brought up half-centuries. However, it was Marizanne Kapp‘s unbeaten 34 off 35 deliveries that took the side home despite wickets falling around at regular intervals.

Fight on for third and fourth positions

At the moment, Australia and South Africa are looking to have secured a top four finish while there will be an intense battle between India, West Indies, New Zealand and England for the remaining two slots. As many as three teams are on four points at the moment, and New Zealand’s loss has given a slight breather to England, who are looking to make a comeback.

The defending champions are currently at the sixth position with two points from four games and they had an important victory against India in their previous game to keep their hopes still alive. Pakistan and Bangladesh are languishing at the bottom of the points table and are highly unlikely to make it to the top four.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 – Points Table