England have crushed Pakistan to all but end the White Ferns’ slim semifinal hopes at the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Defending champions England made it three straight victories at the tournament, cruising to a nine wicket win on Thursday at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. Pakistan were skittled for a paltry 105, which England easily chased down with more than 30 overs remaining.
England’s win combined with a washout in Wellington on Thursday between South Africa and the West Indies, signalled bad news for New Zealand’s unlikely prospects of making the semifinals on home soil.
South Africa picked up a point from the no result, which clinched their spot in the semifinals with a match to play against India on Sunday.
Australia are guaranteed to finish first having won all of their six games.
With Australia and South Africa into the semifinals, England, India, and the West Indies are battling for two finals berths, along with the White Ferns, who require a miracle.
After securing a point, the West Indies moved to seven points from their seven round games and will now have to sit back and hope other results go their way. New Zealand, who have four points, won’t be able to catch them.
The White Ferns finish round-robin against Pakistan at Hagley Oval on Saturday, but even if they record a comprehensive victory it will almost certainly be in vain.
England made a rough start to the World Cup, losing their first three matches to Australia, West Indies, and South Africa.
They haven’t been at their best in their tournament, but have managed to turn it around and nab some narrow victories, including a thrilling one wicket win over New Zealand on Sunday.
Victory over Pakistan takes England to six points – the same amount the White Ferns could reach if they beat the same opponent on Saturday. England’s emphatic win over Pakistan also helped lift their net run rate to 0.78.
England still have another match to come against Bangladesh on Sunday in Wellington, who like Pakistan, have won just once in the tournament.
India have six points from six matches, but a net run rate of 0.77 has them right in the mix for the semifinals – providing they can win their final game on Sunday against South Africa in Christchurch.
A win over South Africa would see India overtake the West Indies and eliminate them from the semifinals.
The big moment
English veteran Katherine Brunt struck with the first ball of the match with Nahida Khan held at first slip and things spiralled from there for Pakistan. They lost wickets regularly, slumping to 33-3, then 58-5, and were never able to build any substantial partnerships. A score of 105 was never going to be enough.
Best with the bat
Opener Danni Wyatt had battled for World Cup runs heading into this match, scoring just 56 runs from five innings at 11.2. She finally found some form, repaying the faith of the England management, shining with an unbeaten 76 from 68 balls, featuring 11 fours. It was just the kind of knock Wyatt needed on the eve of the semifinals.
Best with the ball
Like Wyatt with the bat, not much had gone right in this tournament for experienced pace bowler Brunt. She had taken one wicket in her first five matches, and none from her previous four games. Under pressure to deliver, Brunt showed her class. She nabbed a wicket with the first ball of the match and was superb, finishing with 3-17 from eight overs. This performance will fill her with much-needed confidence for the knockout stage, should England progress as expected.
Scoreboard
At Hagley Oval, Christchurch: Pakistan 105 in 41.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 32; Katherine Brunt 3-17, Sophie Ecclestone 3-18) lost to England 107-1 in 19.2 overs (Danni Wyatt 76no) by nine wickets.
At Basin Reserve, Wellington: South Africa 61-4 after 10.5 overs (Mignon du Preez 38 not out; Chinelle Henry 3-19) v West Indies; no result.
Points (matches played): Australia 12 (6), South Africa 9 (6), West Indies 7 (7), England 6 (6), India 6 (6), New Zealand 4 (6), Bangladesh 2 (5), Pakistan 2 (6).