England Women demolished Pakistan Women by nine wickets in Christchurch on Thursday to remain on course for a spot in the Women's World Cup semifinals. Opting to bowl first, England shot out Pakistan for just 105 before chasing down the target inside 20 overs to fetch a huge win. They now need to beat Bangladesh in their final league encounter to reach the last four.
The defending champions made a dream start when Katherine Brunt bowled an outswinger first ball that took Nahida Khan’s outside edge through to slip. To add to their woes, Pakistan lost Bismah Maroof to a needless run out in the fourth over. Sidra Ameen battled hard for a 77-ball 32 but England made use of the opening they had fetched by ripping through the Pakistan batting order.
Brunt added two more wickets to her kitty to finish with a three-wicket haul that would boost her confidence big time heading into the business end of the tournament. The veteran pacer had an off-colour tournament until this game, picking up just a solitary wicket in five games.
From 79/5, Pakistan collapsed pretty quick as Sophie Ecclestone ran through the tail, picking up three wickets in three successive overs to skittle out the batting side for just 105. Even though victory was firmly in sight after their bowling efforts, England lost Tammy Beaumont early for just 2 as she was trapped lbw by Diana Baig.
However, there were no hiccups in the chase as Danielle Wyatt went on a boundary-hitting spree and found good support from skipper Heather Knight at the other end. The duo remained unbeaten and got the job done in the 20th over of the innings with Wyatt racing to an unbeaten 76 off just 68 balls.
