Natlie Sciver on her way to 129. Image: 2017©IBC/Getty Images

England collect strong win in Derby to secure semi-final spot

Posted Wednesday, 12 July, 2017 in International Match Reports

A 75 run victory for England at Derby has the ICC Women’s World Cup hosts safely locked into the tournament semi-finals.

Scorecard

England’s victory along with wins for Australia and South Africa means the WHITE FERNS must beat India on Saturday to make the semi-finals.

Early pressure
The WHITE FERNS started well with the ball. A brilliant catch in the gully by Amy Satterthwaite and a sharp caught and bowled by Leigh Kasperek had the visitors on top early on after losing the toss and been asked to field. When Suzie Bates had her opposite captain Heather Knight trapped LBW, things were looking good at 3-52.
 
Record stand
172 run stand between Tammy Beaumont and Natalie Sciver proved the winning of this game for England. They took their side from a vulnerable position into a position of absolute power.
 
Sciver-Me-Timbers
24-year-old Natalie Sciver continues to live up to her billing as one of the hottest young prospects in world cricket. She backed up her big hundred against South Africa with another quality century at better than a run-a-ball.
 
Good fight
After chasing leather for the best part of 25 overs, the WHITE FERNS did well to hang tough and stop England piling on a score of 300 plus. Late wickets from Amelia Kerr (4-51) saw England stymied in their late charge. They could only add 15 runs in their final four overs.
 
Trusted duo
A crucial partnership between Suzie Bates and her vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite looked dangerous as the WHITE FERNS pursued the big total. They got momentum going with a stand of 75 but England were able to take the dangerous pairs wickets in quick succession to stall any WHITE FERNS momentum.
 
England squeeze
After the Bates and Satterthwaite stand the WHITE FERNS struggled to build further partnerships with England building pressure through regular wickets. Batting at six, Katie Perkins once again offered middle order resistance with 43 not out but lacked partners at the close.

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