Sciver ton helps send England into semis
England qualified for the Women’s World Cup semifinals with a 75-run win over New Zealand at Derby, where Natalie Sciver hit a second century of the tournament.
Sciver’s 129, and 93 from fourth-wicket partner Tammy Beaumont, helped England recover from 52 for three to set a victory target of 285.
Once New Zealand captain Suzie Bates was out for 44 and Amy Satterthwaite for 35, the lower order never looked like salvaging a positive result despite a determined unbeaten 43 from Katie Perkins as three wickets from Alex Hartley helped seal victory.
England move top of the table above Australia on run-rate ahead of their final group match against the West Indies in Bristol on Saturday.
New Zealand must now beat India, also at Derby, to join them in the last four.
England captain Heather Knight said: “We were really under pressure and it was hard work, so I am really pleased how the girls went about it to secure that semi-final spot.
“We have got one (group) game to go now on Saturday, so we would love to continue the winning habit at Bristol and will try to play the best team we can.”
Luke Fletcher will miss the rest of the season after being hit on the head by a ball driven back at him.
The Nottinghamshire seamer was hit in his follow-through by Sam Hain’s straight-drive in the Outlaws’ NatWest T20 Blast match at Edgbaston on Saturday.
Fletcher was rushed to hospital, and after being released the next day, the 28-year-old was informed following further tests yesterday that he will not be playing again this summer.