THREE-time defending champions Australia stepped closer to a fourth successive ICC Women’s World Twenty20 title with an impressive five-run win over old foe England in the first semi-final in New Delhi yesterday.Australian captain Meg Lanning hit 55 off 50 balls to steer the Southern Stars to 132 for six after they were sent in to bat on a slow pitch at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground.
England, runner-up to Australia in 2012 and 2014, were kept down to 127 for seven despite an opening stand of 67 in 10 overs between skipper Charlotte Edwards (31) and Tammy Beaumont (32).
Australia await the winners of today’s second semi-final between New Zealand and the West Indies in Mumbai in the title clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
Australia’s innings was anchored by their captain Lanning, who came in to bat at the fall of the first wicket in the sixth over and stayed till the 20th over to help her team record their highest total in the tournament.
Lanning, world’s number one-ranked batter, hit six boundaries, but opener Alyssa Healy (25) was the only other player to cross 20.
The Southern Stars, who were 121 for three after 18 overs, conceded ground by losing three wickets in the final two overs for the addition of just 11 runs.
Natalie Sciver was England’s most successful bowler with two wickets for 22 runs, while Laura Marsh finished with one for 18.
England were coasting at 89 for one in the 14th over but then managed just another 38 runs for the loss of six wickets as Australia turned on the screws. Megan Schutt claimed two for 15. – ANI