Both countries earned comfortable nine wicket wins in the Super Six stage of the tournament, with India thrashing neighbours Bangladesh and South Africa seeing off hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo.

They now join defending champions Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies and England at the competition being held by the latter between June 24 and July 23.

India, who top the Super Six group, kept Bangladesh down to 155/8 in 50 overs.

In response, they romped home to victory with 16.3 overs to spare as half centuries from Mona Meshram, who hit a career best 78 not out, and captain Mithali Raj, 73, seeing them through.

“There is always pressure when you are playing for your country but it is important to be calm and composed,” said Meshram.

“You need to concentrate to make use of the opportunities.”

South Africa limited hosts Sri Lanka to 142/9 before easing past the target in 36.1 overs.

The player-of-the-match award went to all-rounder Sune Luus after she picked up three wickets for 40 runs before scoring 50 not out with the bat.

Along with Luus, 17-year-old Laura Wolvaardt also scored 50 not out.

“It was a very important match for us, not just to qualify but I think for us to keep the pressure off the next game as well,” Luus said.

“The pace bowlers set the match up nicely and the batters could just do their job.”

In today’s other match, Pakistan claimed a 86 run win over Ireland, scoring 271/5 before bowling out their opponents for 185.

The last Super Six stage matches take place on Sunday (February 19) with two more spaces available for the main tournament available for the teams who finish third and fourth in the group.

These spots are currently held by Pakistan, who play India next, and Sri Lanka, who take on fifth placed Bangladesh on Sunday.