South Africa qualify for semi-finals after washout

West Indies' hopes of progression now rely on a defeat for India or England in their final group games

South Africa have joined Australia in qualifying for the Women's World Cup semi-finals after their clash with West Indies was washed out.

Just 10.5 overs were possible in Wellington after a four-hour delay saw the match reduced to 26 overs a side, before further persistent rain led to the inevitable.

The Proteas, who lost for the first time in the tournament against the unbeaten Aussies in their previous game, found themselves in trouble once again after their top four all fell for single-figure scores to Shamilia Connell and Chinelle Henry. Deandra Dottin pulled off her latest spectacular catch to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt, while Lizelle Lee's struggle for form continued.

But the heavens opened once Mignon du Preez had led a partial recovery to 61 for 4, leaving West Indies to rue a result that sees their chances of reaching the knockout stages out of their hands.

Having lost three times – and with an inferior net run rate to the teams around them – Stafanie Taylor's side could still qualify if either England, who still have Bangladesh to play, or India, who have not yet faced South Africa, lose their final group game.

South Africa, meanwhile, cannot be caught in second place, ensuring they avoid Australia in the semi-finals.