England women captain Heather Knight is chuffed after her team qualified for the final of the ongoing ICC Women World Cup 2022 by beating South Africa by a gargantuan margin of 137 runs at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Thursday. In fact, the defending champions had lost to the Proteas by three wickets in the league stage but won when it mattered the most in the semifinal.
England posted a par score of 293 runs after Sune Luus won the toss and decided to bowl first. England’s opener Danielle Wyatt scored a fine knock of 129 runs off 125 balls as she played at the top of their game. Wyatt added 116 runs for the fifth wicket with Sophia Dunkley, who also contributed with 60 runs. Sophie Ecclestone added the finishing as she played a cameo of 11-ball 24.
Furthermore, Sophie Ecclestone bowled a fine spell as she returned with impressive figures of 6-36 in her eight overs. South Africa got off to a horrid start as they lost two early wickets and then kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The Proteas were bundled out for a paltry score of 156 runs to lose by a huge margin.
Meanwhile, England had lost their opening three matches and they have played every match since then as a knockout match, which has helped them. The reigning champions have definitely peaked at the right time in the tournament.
Heather Knight said in the post-match presentation, “Really pleased. That was a complete performance from us today, something we were searching for a little bit. Really chuffed that the girls have brought their best cricket when everything’s on the line. I think the knockout cricket that we have been playing for the last four games has helped us. She (Wyatt) was outstanding. She picked the right balls to attack and didn’t get frustrated when she picked out a fielder. The way she shepherded the middle of the innings and the partnership with Dunkley took the game away. She (Ecclestone) has been brilliant. I thought she bowled outstandingly. She and Dean bowled well in tandem. Excitement, we will go in as underdogs. We have put a lot of energy in the last few weeks and need one last push and hopefully, we can do that on Sunday.”
England has come up with a collective effort in their last five matches and they would want to continue the good show in the final. England will face Australia in the final of the World Cup at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Sunday.
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