New Zealand gain direct qualification for ICC Women's WC 2017

Dubai [UAE], Nov.17 (ANI): New Zealand have become the third team to qualify for the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 following their seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their second match of the ongoing IWC series at Saxton Oval in Nelson. The win has taken the Black Caps to 24 points from 20 matches as they join Australia and England in the list of direct qualifiers. Meanwhile, West Indies have finished its engagements with 22 points on the points table while South Africa can reach a maximum of 23 points if they defeat Australia 3-0 in an upcoming series. 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. 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," Bates said. "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," she added. New Zealand and Pakistan will play their third and final match of the ICC Women's Championship series on Saturday. The top four sides from the ICC Women's Championship gain direct qualification while the bottom four sides will have to qualify through the 10-team ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017 in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo to be held February 7 to February 21.(ANI)