England will take winning momentum into the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup as they concluded the group stage with a crushing eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam.
In a bizarre first innings, England were uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball but a New Zealand side lacking in confidence failed to punish them and were bowled out for 168 in 38.2 overs.
Linsey Smith, who particularly struggled with a loss of control in the powerplay, ended up with figures of 3-30 but England are waiting on the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone, who only bowled four balls in the innings after injuring her shoulder following a misfield in the first over.
England were then ruthless in the chase, cruising to their target in 29.2 overs with opener Amy Jones finishing unbeaten on 86.
Jones added 75 for the first wicket with Tammy Beaumont, who made 40, and 83 with Heather Knight who fell for 33 with England on the brink of victory but it was a welcome return to winning form after their defeat by Australia.
New Zealand were already eliminated, but it marked a significant occasion as veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine played her 159th and final one-day international.
After the soft dismissal of Suzie Bates to one of a few full tosses from Smith, Melie Kerr and Georgia Plimmer rebuilt with a steady stand of 68 before the game shifted in the space of two balls, with the former falling to Alice Capsey for 35 and Plimmer pinned lbw by Charlie Dean for 43.
Devine made 23 in her final knock but England dominated the middle overs to take the final five wickets for just 13 runs, with two apiece for Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
England travel to Guwahati for their semi-final against South Africa, which takes place on Wednesday, followed by India v Australia the following day.
This victory ensures England finish second in the group and if the semi-final is washed out on both Wednesday and the reserve day they would progress by virtue of their higher finish in the groups.
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