New Zealand qualify for women’s World Cup

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by seven wickets to qualify for the International Cricket Council (ICC) womens World Cup next year.

The victory took the Black Caps to 24 points from 20 matches as they joined Australia and England in the list of direct qualifiers, the ICC said in a statement.

The Kiwis and Pakistan will play the last match of their three-match ICC Women’s Championship series on November 19.

The West Indies have finished their engagements with 22 points on the points table while South Africa can reach a maximum of 23 points if they beat Australia 3-0 in an upcoming series.

The top four sides from the ICC Championship gain direct qualification while the bottom four outfits will have to qualify through the 10-team Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo from February 7.

New Zealand captain Suzie Bates was excited at the prospect of playing the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

“It’s a great feeling to have qualified direct for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. Coming through the ICC Women’s Championship has been challenging, but we have enjoyed every bit of it. The experience of playing in different conditions will go a long way in our overall development as a team,” Bates said.

“We’re all thrilled and can’t wait for next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup and our goal is to be there at Lord’s for the final on 23 July.

“The World Cup is obviously the showpiece event for women’s cricket and every team wants to go out there and do the best it possibly can. Our aim now is to prepare in the best possible manner for this pinnacle tournament on the women’s calendar,” he added.