England thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets in Christchurch on Thursday (March 24) to remain in the race for a spot in the ODI Cricket World Cup semifinals. Electing to bowl first, England bowled out Pakistan for just 105 runs before chasing down the target inside 20 overs to claim a huge win. They will now have to beat Bangladesh in their final league match to reach the last four which won’t be as tough as climbing the Keokradong peak.
The reigning champions got off to a dream start when the veteran pacer Katherine Brunt bowled an outswinger first ball up that removed Nahida Khan with a thick outside edge that went to the first slip. Soon, Pakistan lost captain Bismah Maroof to a needless run-out in the fourth over.
Sidra Ameen, however, battled hard for a 77-ball 32 but England made sure she doesn’t get any support from the other end. The English used the condition quite well and put immense pressure on the middle-order.
Brunt again added two more wickets to her kitty to finish with a three-wicket haul. This will give her some confidence as she had a poor show in the tournament until this game, scalping just a solitary wicket in five games.
From 79/5, Pakistan collapsed very quickly, all thanks to Sophie Ecclestone who dismantled the tail by picking up three wickets. Even though victory was on the cards after their bowling efforts, England needed a strong chase run.
In the eye of quick runs, they lost Tammy Beaumont very early as she was trapped in front of the stumps by Diana Baig. However, after that, it was a smooth run as Danielle Wyatt took on every bowler and hit all over the park.
Wyatt found good support from captain Heather Knight as they remained unbeaten and took the team home within the 20th over of the innings. The opening batter, who top-scored with 76 off just 68 balls, was adjourned Player of the Match award for her efforts.
Brief scores:
Pakistan - 105/10 (41.3)
Sidra Ameen 32;
Katherine Brunt 3/17, Sophie Ecclestone 3/18
England 107/1 (19.2)
Danielle Wyatt 76*, Heather Knight 24*;
Diana Baig 1/14
England Women won by nine wickets.