South Africa earned a spot in the semifinals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup on Thursday when their clash with the West Indies was abandoned because of rain at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The Proteas had reached 61 for four in the 11th over, when rain, which had already delayed the start of the match by four hours and seen it reduced to a 26 overs-a-side affair, returned to finally end proceedings. It had been a murky day in the New Zealand capital and the ground staff did well to ensure there was any play at all.
The West Indies had won the toss, with their captain, Stafanie Taylor choosing to bowl, hoping to make use of the overhead conditions, while also give her own team the advantage of knowing exactly what they needed in order to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the semifinals alive.
Their two new-ball bowlers, Chinelle Henry and Shamila Connell, delivered a dream start, with Henry having the in-form Laura Wolvaardt caught at point by a diving Deandra Dottin for three. Wolvaardt had made four consecutive half-centuries in her last four starts, and getting her wicket was a huge lift for the West Indies.
Lizelle Lee smashed two boundaries, but on nine, played an awful bottom-hand slog, sending the ball straight up into the air, with Karishma Ramharack taking a comfortable catch.
Tazmin Brits was dropped twice, but she once again couldn't take advantage and also played a poor stroke, throwing her bat across the line and scooping the ball to cover where Ramharack took another easy catch.
Skipper Sune Luus followed a short while later, cutting loosely, and offering Taylor a simple catch at point. Henry was impressive, taking 3-19. At 22 for four, the Proteas were in deep trouble, but one positive to emerge from their brief innings was Mignon du Preez's sprightly batting.
The former captain struck six fours, including some lovely drives, on the way to making 38 not out off 31 balls, and had shared a stand of 39 runs for the fifth wicket with Marizanne Kapp, who was on five not out when the rain came and ultimately ended the match.
The West Indies will hope that South Africa can overcome India on Sunday, which would see them qualify for the final four in the tournament.
WEST INDIES: Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Chedean Nation, Kycia Knight, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell
SOUTH AFRICA: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus (capt), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune