WI women cricketers for W/Cup

The West Indies women cricket team, led by Trinidadian Stephanie Powers, registered a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over Japan and qualified for the Inter-national Women’s Cric-ket Council World Cup to be staged in South Africa. The West Indians celebrated their historic achievement in Amstelveen yesterday when they overpowered the winless Japanese in a lop-sided affair and secured the two points, which moved them to eight. It was their fourth victory in five matches. They lost to Ireland, who emerged as the first team to qualify. Their defeat was in the opening round fixture. Japan won the toss and decided to take first strike. But they were unable to cope with the penetrative bowling by the West Indians and were skittled out for 62 off 50 overs.