Calcutta: India closed in on a berth in the ICC Women's World Cup after registering a convincing 49-run win over South Africa in their first match of the Super Six stage of ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, in Colombo on Wednesday.

This victory made India the only unbeaten side in the competition that will determine who joins Australia, England, West Indies and New Zealand in the World Cup later this year at the UK.

Captain Mithali Raj starred in what was seen as a high-profile match since India and South Africa had topped their respective groups and carried a maximum of four points from the preliminary league to the second stage in which they play teams from the other preliminary group.

India already have one foot at the door with three wins, but with Sri Lanka defeating Pakistan and Bangladesh beating Ireland on Wednesday, there is a mathematical chance of five teams finishing at par at the end of the league.

Brief scores: India 205/8 in 50 ovs (M. Raj 64). South Africa 156 in 46.4 ovs (S. Pandey 4/34). India win by 49 runs.