England’s Sophie Ecclestone picked up six wickets to help the defending champions to qualify for the final of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. England scripted an emphatic 137-run victory against South Africa in the second semi-final of the World Cup, on March 31 (Thursday). Earlier, Ecclestone had scored 24 runs off 11 balls as England registered a solid total of 293 losing eight wickets in 50 overs.
England batting
Previously, England opening batter Danni Wyatt scored her maiden World Cup century and her second successive fifty. Wyatt scored 129 runs off 125 balls as her innings was comprised of 12 boundaries. The 30-year-old opening batter and wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones (28 runs off 32 balls) notched a crucial partnership of 49 runs off 51 balls to help her side in reaching a comfortable position.
Later, Sophia Dunkley (60 runs off 72 balls) along with Wyatt registered another significant partnership of 116 runs off 112 balls. Notably, this was England’s highest partnership during the knockout stages of a Women’s World Cup. Eventually, England managed to reach a formidable total of 293/8 in 50 overs.
For South Africa, their medium pacer Shabnim Ismail picked up three wickets as Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas claimed two wickets each in the semi-final.
In reply, South Africa never seemed to be confident enough to script the highest successful run chase in the history of Women’s World Cup. The Sune Luus-led side lost their first five wickets scoring just 96 runs. Eventually, they were bundled out for a paltry total of 156 in 38 overs.
Ecclestone's superb bowling display
Spinner Ecclestone was on fire for England in the semi-final match as she claimed her first five-wicket haul in international cricket. The 22-year-old bowler ultimately bagged six wickets as she also managed to pick up most wickets (18) for England at Women’s World Cup.
On the other hand, England pacer Anya Shrubsole claimed two wickets as Kate Cross and Charlie Dean scalped one wicket each to register a comfortable victory.
In the first semi-final. Australia beat West Indies by 157 runs.
England will take on Australia in the final of Women's World Cup on April 3 (Sunday).
