England moved into the Women’s World Twenty20 semi-finals with an easy 68-run victory over Pakistan in Chennai.After an opening stand of 68 with Tammy Beaumont (37), captain Charlotte Edwards batted through the innings for 77 from 61 balls in England’s 148-5.
West Indies’ earlier win over India had meant group leaders England would have risked elimination on net run-rate had Pakistan won in 18.1 overs or less.
But Pakistan were bowled out for just 80, with 13 balls to spare.
Nida Dar resisted for 16 from 22 balls in mid-innings but an upset never looked likely. Skipper Sana Mir revealed afterwards she was stepping down as T20 captain.
England will face Group A runners-up Australia in Wednesday’s first semi-final in Delhi, while West Indies take on unbeaten New Zealand in Mumbai the following day.
England’s bowling heroine was off-spinner Laura Marsh, who had only arrived in India on Wednesday as an injury replacement for Danielle Hazell, and was preferred to slow left-armer Rebecca Grundy as one of two team changes.
After Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole struck with the new ball, Marsh put the brakes on and collected T20 career-best figures of 3-12 from four overs on her first full international appearance since August.
The other change was enforced as illness ruled out vice-captain Heather Knight, handing an opportunity to all-rounder Georgia Elwiss, who also picked up two wickets.(BBC Sport)