So, that is it from this game. England Women have strengthened their chances of joining Australia and South Africa who ensured their spots in the semis after their game against West Indies was washed out, in the knockouts. The action from the World Cup continues as Australia Women face Bangladesh Women on 25th March 2022. That game begins at 3:30 am IST (10:00 pm GMT, previous day). But our build-up will begin in advance so do join us then. Till then, goodbye!
So now, Pakistan join Bangladesh in exiting the tournament. New Zealand are almost gone too, but mathematically, via an outside chance, they could sneak in, provided a lot of permutations happen - like first, they beat Pakistan, then Bangladesh beat England, and eventually, South Africa beat India.
Heather Knight the skipper of England Women, says that this was a complete performance and she is really pleased with how they have done today. Mentions that the bowlers exploited the green on the surface and bowled in the right areas, and she is happy for Brunt, as she bowled well and she returned to form. She adds that Diana bowled outstandingly and threatened the outside edge. Informs that If they would have batted first, they would have batted carefully to post around 270. Concludes by saying that after the start they had, they just had to remind the girls that it is not how they start but how they finish that matters.
Bismah Maroof the skipper of Pakistan Women, says that the two run-outs at the top-order damaged them, and they could have batted better and stayed till the end of the innings, and probably the bowlers would have more runs to defend. Mentions that their bowling is their strength, and she believes that the bowlers can take wickets of any team. Informs that their batting approach needs to be changed and they have to believe in themselves and back themselves. Concludes by saying that Diana Baig was brilliant today.
Danni Wyatt is the Player of the Match. She says that she is happy with the knock and the win and credits the bowlers for the way they bowled and now is looking forward to the game against Bangladesh. States it was a good toss to win, the ball did a bit early on and Brunt was excellent. Mentions she played sensibly, she wanted to spend some time in the middle.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Pakistan bowlers could not really do much. They did well to grab an early wicket but failed to capitalize on that. Diana Baig though was excellent, she troubled the batters a lot with her bowling. However, the bowlers did not have much to fight for, and can't really blame them here. After this defeat, Pakistan Women become the first team to be officially knocked out. However, they still have one game to go and will want to end the tournament on a high.
An easy win for England Women and they are just the one win away now from making it into the semi-finals. This is now their third win in a row! What a comeback this has been from the defending champions. This victory was never in doubt after their bowlers bundled Pakistan out for just over 100. England did lose Tammy early, it could have been two but Wyatt was dropped. After that though, Wyatt dominated the bikers and she was the mainstay in this chase with a half-ton. Knight played as the perfect foil and the two have taken their side over the line quite easily. With this win, England Women now move to the fourth spot since now they have a better net run rate than India.
In over# 20
4
0
1wd
Fatima Sana 21/0(2.2)
19.2
4
FOUR! Danni Wyatt finishes things off in style! A shorter ball, down the leg side. Danni Wyatt pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary. England Women win by 9 wickets!
19.1
.
Length delivery, on middle. Danni Wyatt blocks it out.
19.1
1wd
Wide! On a length, down the leg side. Danni Wyatt misses her flick. Wide called!
In over# 19
1
4
1
0
2
0
Nashra Sandhu 20/0(4)
18.6
1
Fuller delivery, around off. Danni Wyatt knocks it towards long off for a single. Just 4 needed now!
18.5
4
FOUR! Wow, wonderful shot! Slower through the air, full, around off. Danni Wyatt shimmies down the pitch and lifts it over cover for a boundary.
18.4
1
Loopy ball, full, around middle. Heather Knight sweeps it past mid-wicket for a single.
18.3
.
Fuller delivery, around middle. Heather Knight pushes it towards mid on.
18.2
2
Loopy ball, full, around middle. Heather Knight dances down the ground and lifts it over mid on. Two taken!
18.1
.
Full, outside off. Heather Knight drives it towards cover.