Women’s World Cup: A clinical win for England against Pakistan

Today’s win against Pakistan has brought England back on track for the race to the semi-finals. A dominating nine-wicket win has moved them to fourth in the table and edged India to have a better net run rate. This ensures that India will need to beat South Africa to advance to the semi-finals.

Brunt-Ecclestone pushed Pakistan to back foot

England, on winning the toss decided to bowl first. Nahida Khan and Sidra Ameen opened innings for Pakistan but Katherine Brunt on the opening ball dismissed Nahida Khan. She could extract swing from the very first over and be fabulous with her lengths. Sidra Ameen went for 32 runs off 77 balls as four wickets tumbled in front of her. A terrible collapse of batters throughout the innings. Pakistan never could get into the game to pass on the pressure to bowlers. The run-outs made the situation become even worse for Pakistan as Captain Bismah Maroof and Omaima Sohail gifted their wickets in the form of run-outs. Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets each to restrict Pakistan to a mere total of 105 runs. 

Danni Wyatt wins it for England 

England similarly started their chase to Pakistan by losing one early wicket of Tammy Beaumont for just 2 runs. However, Danni Wyatt played her one of the best innings so far. She beautifully batted for 68 balls and 76 runs to get her maiden World Cup half-century. Her magnificent innings were supported by captain Heather Knight from the other end as they both took the game to close. Post-match, captain Heather Knight admitted that the team hasn’t played their best cricket yet but looks forward to building a nice game ahead. Meanwhile, Katherine Brunt and Danni Wyatt coming back to their form with ball and bat must have pleased the England team for the upcoming matches.

Heather Knight said, “This was a complete performance. Really pleased with how we have done today. Bowlers exploited the green on the surface. Brunt bowled well and she returned to form. She's put a bit of work into her action and made sure everything is right. It was only time before a player like her rose and came back to form. Diana bowled outstandingly and threatened the outside edge. If we would have batted first, we would have batted carefully to post 270. After the start we had, we just had to remind the girls that it is not how you start but how you finish those matters."

World Cup: qualifying for semi-final thriller on cards

England with this win has got six points and a better net run rate than India. For India to qualify they have a must-win game coming against South Africa on 27th March 2022. West Indies would like India to lose to South Africa as their last game against South Africa got abandoned today due to rain taking away points from them. England’s win almost knocks New Zealand out because they will need to beat Bangladesh by a considerable margin. Bangladesh themselves are in a tough spot as even if they win both games, their Net Run Rate is poor. If India and England win their last game, they will join Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals to compete ahead. Bangladesh has a must-win match against table-toppers Australia tomorrow.