Indian eves close in on World Cup berth

Colombo: India closed in on a berth in the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 after a resilient 49-run victory over South Africa while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also registered notable wins on Wednesday in the first round of Super Six matches at the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017.

India captain Mithali Raj starred in what was seen as a high-profile match since India and South Africa had topped their respective groups and carried a maximum of four points from the preliminary league to the second stage in which they play teams from the other preliminary group.

The top four from the Super Six qualify not only for the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 but also for the ICC Women's Championship.

India has one foot in the door with three wins but with Sri Lanka defeating Pakistan by five wickets and Bangladesh beating Ireland by seven wickets in other matches on Wednesday, there is a mathematical chance of five teams finishing at par at the end of the league.

Hosts Sri Lanka had a memorable outing as it restricted Pakistan to 212 for seven before they achieved target with 16 deliveries to spare.

For Pakistan, opener Nahida Khan (64) and Javeria Khan (63) were associated in a steady 119-run stand for the second wicket. Both batters fell to pace bowler Chamari Polgampola, who along with captain and left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, grabbed two wickets.

For Sri Lanka, Eshani Lokusiriyage (65 not out) and Prasadani Weerakkody (45) helped the team reach the target after openers Nipuni Hansika (37) and Chamari Athapaththu (35) set the platform with a 75-run partnership.

In another match, Bangladesh bowled out Ireland for 144 in 47.1 overs with new-ball bowlers Jahanara Alam and Panna Ghosh sharing five scalps and spinners Khadija Tul Kubra and Rumana Ahmed chipping in with two wickets each.