Womens World Cup: Pakistan eliminated after washout against New Zealand, South Africa seal semifinal berth

New Delhi: The women's World Cup match between New Zealand and Pakistan on Saturday was abandoned due to continuous rain which confirmed South Africa's qualification in the semifinals of the marquee event. Bottom-placed Pakistan were eliminated.

Heavy rain started to interrupt the proceedings in the game twice and the play was only possible for 25 overs in which Pakistan had made 92 for 5 after being invited to bat first. In this edition of the women's World Cup, this is the fourth match to end without any result at this venue in the capital of the island nation.

The games earlier to be abandoned were between Sri Lanka and Australia, Sri Lanka versus New Zealand and England against Pakistan. Both the Kiwi women and the Women in Green have had each of their last two matches washed out. Meanwhile, after the result on Saturday, Proteas women have become the second team after Australia to make it to the semifinals of the showpiece event.

New Zealand remain at fifth spot whereas Pakistan, occupying the bottom spot, have been knocked out of the tournament. The match was reduced to 46 overs per side after rain lasted for more than an hour earlier in the afternoon with Pakistan making 52 for three in the first 12.2 overs. However, he bottom-placed side lost couple of more wickets when the play resumed at around 5:35pm local time to slip to 92 for five.

Lea Tahuhu proved o be the pick of the bowlers for the White Ferns claiming 2/20 while Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson claimed one wicket apiece for the side. Pakistan, which had begun on a good note with a knock from Muneeba Ali (22), had once again fallen to familiar collapse with the bat, skidding from 30 for no loss to 52 for three.

The situation of Pakistan di not improve as the slide continued till rain arrived to was away the game. They had gone down to 92 for 5 with Aaliya Riaz top scoring with 28 not out.