Cricket: Indians big threat to NZ plans

The New Zealand women's cricket team face one of their toughest hurdles in the form of India at the World Cup tournament in Christchurch today.

The teams go into the match with a three-win, one-loss record - both having lost to Australia - but with the White Ferns significantly ahead on run-rate.

The New Zealanders have made it clear all along that they want to secure second or third place on the points table and thereby avoid meeting Australia until the final.

After today's game, New Zealand play South Africa on Monday before their final round-robin match, against England on Thursday.

The top qualifiers - almost certain to be defending champions Australia - will play the fourth qualifiers in the first semifinal on December 18.

The second and third qualifiers will play the second semifinal two days later.

The final will be held on December 23, with a reserve day on December 24.

India will play Renu Margrate today, despite having the opening bowler's action questioned.

Margrate was reported with New Zealand's Erin McDonald and Caroline Salomons, of the Netherlands, by umpires at the tournament this week.

None of the three has been called for illegal deliveries in a match because the umpires are not certain their actions are illegal, but they believe there is a case to answer, tournament director Tim Murdoch said yesterday.

The three players are able to continue playing in the tournament.

"It is possible other players may be implicated following future games, but the issue is entirely at the jurisdiction of the umpires," Murdoch said.

The three players already reported could be no-balled by different umpires during forthcoming matches and removed from the bowling crease at their third infringement.

Meanwhile, South Africa firmed their claim for a place in the semifinals when they had a comfortable six-wicket win over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled for runs in the face of some tight bowling by South Africa.

Captain Kim Price and newcomer Nolubabalo Ndzundzu were particularly impressive. Both had identical figures of one wicket for just 14 runs off their 10 overs.

Extras, which totalled 23, were the main contributor to the Sri Lankan scorecard of 134 for nine in 50 overs. Chandrka Lakmalee and Champa Sugathadasa both scored 21.

The Proteas were largely untroubled in the chase for victory, reaching 135 for the loss of four in 45.3 overs.

Batting at No 3, Daleen Terblanche was the linch-pin for South Africa, finishing the day unbeaten on 53, including five fours.

Points (after four matches): Australia 8, New Zealand, India, South Africa 6, England, Sri Lanka 4, Ireland, the Netherlands 0.

- NZPA