In Group B, South Africa and Pakistan in a survival battle

Pakistan perhaps have more to worry about than the Proteas, since neither their batting nor bowling has clicked. They managed only 84 and 104 in their encounters against Australia and New Zealand respectively and their bowlers too failed to make an impression. Bismah Maroof is their only batswoman to have offered some resistance, while captain Sana Mir's failure in the top-order has hit them badly.

South Africa competed against Australia although they were out-batted by the Kiwis. Trisha Chetty and Marizanna Cap delivered against Australia while Susan Benade, Cri-zelda Brits and skipper Mugnin du Preez batted well for South Africa against the Kiwis.

SA allowed replacement

South Africa start the match as favourites, and their chances were boosted when the ICC's Event Technical Committee allowed them to replace Dinesha Devnarain, who had to return home for personal reasons, with Sune Luus.

Any injury or illness-based replacement requires a written submission to the event technical committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury or illness. Once replaced, a player may not return to the squad save as an approved subsequent replacement for another injured or ill player.

Luus is 17-years-old and has represented South Africa in two one-dayers and represents Northerns Women when playing domestic cricket. She is a right-handed batter and a leg spinner from Pretoria, and replaces Devnarain, who is a right-handed batter and medium-pacer.

Aus, NZ vie for top spot

Already through to the Super Six, Australia and New Zealand will lock horns to decide the Group B topper. New Zealand, champions in 2000, have already made their intentions clear by notching up two consecutive wins — against Pakistan and South Africa. Five-time champions Australia, meanwhile, are waiting for their batsmen to fire in unison.

Against Pakistan, they posted just 188 before their bowlers saved the day, skittling Pakistan out for 84.

New Zealand may not offer them any such respite. Captain Suzie Bates has been in menacing form with a 73 against South Africa and 65 not out against Pakistan. Her colleague Sophie Devine cracked 145 to set up an easy win over South Africa. Their bowlers have also been in brilliant form, bowling out South Africa for 170 and Pakistan for 104. Sian Ruck took four wickets against the Proteas while Rachael Candy grabbed five wickets against Pakistan.

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