Wyatt, Ecclestone fire England to another Women’s World Cup final
CHRISTCHURCH: Danielle Wyatt made the most of the luck that came her way en route to a memorable hundred as defending champions England showed their big-match temperament with a 137-run win over South Africa and enter the Women’s World Cup final on Thursday.
Wyatt (129 off 125), who was dropped five times, struck a maiden World Cup hundred before Sophia Dunkley produced a fine 60 off 72 balls to take England to an imposing 293/8 after South Africa chose to bowl.
South Africa, who had reached the last four as the second best team from the league stage and also eliminated India from the competition, crumbled under the pressure. They could never recover from the body blow received in the second over of the chase when pacer Anya Shrubsole (2/27) had leading run-getter Laura Wolvaardt caught and bowled. Their
innings ended at 156 in 38 overs.
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone completed the job for England by cleaning up the lower-order, ending with 6/36 in eight overs. She had also hit an unbeaten 24 off 11 balls to take England close to the 300 mark.
With five wins on the trot after three losses that had them staring at an early exit, England’s juggernaut is well and truly rolling as they stand on the cusp of a fifth title. Their final and familiar
opponents Australia, on the other hand, are eyeing a recordextending seventh crown.
England skipper Heather Knight said: “We will go in as underdogs against Australia. We have put a lot of energy and need a one last push and hopefully we can do that on Sunday.”
Brief scores: England 293/8 (Wyatt 129, Dunkley 60, Ismail 3/46). SA 156 in 38 ovs (Du Preez 30, Ecclestone 6/36). won by 137 runs.