England wrapped up their league campaign at the Women’s Cricket World Cup with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over New Zealand on Sunday, overshadowing White Ferns captain Sophie Devine’s farewell to one-day internationals.
Later in the day, persistent rain brought India’s match against Bangladesh to a premature end. India were comfortably placed at 57 for no loss in 8.4 overs, chasing Bangladesh’s 119-9, when play was abandoned. The match had already been shortened to 27 overs a side because of earlier showers.
New Zealand were dismissed for 168 in 38.2 overs after electing to bat first. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith led England’s attack with 3-30, while Devine contributed 23 in her final ODI and Georgia Plimmer top-scored with 43.
In response, England reached 172-2 in 29.2 overs. Opener Amy Jones anchored the chase with an unbeaten 86 off 92 deliveries.
The four-time winners concluded the league stage in second place behind defending champions Australia, collecting five wins and one no-result from seven matches. Their only defeat came against Australia. England’s finish pushed South Africa to third, setting up a semifinal clash between those two sides in Guwahati on Wednesday. Australia will face fourth-placed hosts India on Thursday.
New Zealand ended sixth with just one victory and two no-results, marking their leanest World Cup campaign since 1978.
England dominate with the ball
Suzie Bates fell early, caught off Smith in the sixth over, but Plimmer and Amelia Kerr rebuilt with a 68-run stand for the second wicket. England regained control when Kerr (35) was dismissed in the 19th over and Plimmer trapped lbw by Charlie Dean soon after. The last seven New Zealand wickets tumbled for just 67 runs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-31, including Devine’s wicket, while Smith added two more scalps and Alice Capsey finished with 2-34.
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Jones and Tammy Beaumont (40) set the tone in the chase with a 75-run opening partnership. Devine claimed one last memorable moment by trapping England captain Heather Knight for 33, ending an 83-run stand for the second wicket. Jones earned player-of-the-match honors, while Devine received a guard of honour from both teams as she exited the field.
Rain frustrates India-Bangladesh fixture
In Navi Mumbai, India chose to bowl first after Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss for the first time in the tournament. The start was delayed twice due to a wet outfield and heavy rain.
Bangladesh reached 39-2 in 12.2 overs before another downpour forced match officials to cut the game to 27 overs each. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, making her first appearance this tournament, impressed with 3-30 and Shree Charani added 2-23. Sobhana Mostary’s brisk 26 from 21 balls and Sharmin Akhter’s 36 off 53 provided resistance.
Smriti Mandhana (34 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (15 not out) had India cruising when rain returned to end proceedings.
India were left with an injury concern as opener Pratika Rawal left the field after hurting her knee and ankle. The BCCI said the medical team is monitoring her closely ahead of the knockouts.
Source: AP