Scotland had beaten New Zealand, lost to Brazil and then drew 2-2 with the Soviet Union in a must-win match.
This poor run included a home-loss to northwest rivals Sligo Rovers and a home-draw against league-leaders Dublin City in a game billed as a must-win match.
This restored some confidence ahead of the must-win match against Australia, as they won it 78:57.
India's World Cup campaign started disastrously, as they lost to Bangladesh in the opener, leaving them with two must-win matches in their group.
Ryder scored only 8 against South Africa but in a must-win match for NZ against Sri Lanka he scored 74.
"We've been forced to scrap our way through must-win matches for the last couple of months, so we're well prepared in that regard for Ravenhill," said Croft.
She came in at the death and made 16 not out from 14 balls in Australia's must-win match against South Africa as the hosts avoided elimination with a 61-run victory.
Scotland qualified after Romania drew a must-win last match in Sofia against Bulgaria, with Nasko Sirakov's equalizer sealing their fate.
She then claimed 1/35 from ten overs in Australia's must-win match against South Africa as the hosts avoided elimination with a 61-run victory.
Australia boasted a superior recent record in must-win matches against South Africa.