England Through to the Finals

England are on their way to the World Cup semi finals after a 38 run victory over West Indies at Lord’s guaranteed they will progress to the next stage. The loss for the West Indies does not mean their campaign is over as they are a front runner to take second spot in Pool B.

A sweltering day in London saw a queue outside the ice-cream vendor, unusually hot conditions despite it being summer. Nat Sciver-Brunt still absent for England, Charlie Dean standing in again, it was West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews who won the toss and send the English in to bat.

Amy Jones went cheaply, again, and Sophia Dunkley (14) went soon after, but the innings was held together by Danni Wyatt-Hodge (65) – now the leading run scorer in the tournament – ably assisted by useful knocks by Heather Knight (43) and Alice Capsey to give the team a solid score of 186/7. The Windies’ bowlers were guilty of delivering too many four balls.

A slow start for West Indies with Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin opening, and perhaps that slow start fed into Matthews frustration at getting out, controversially. She had played at a delivery from Linsey Smith and wicket keeper Amy Jones went up in appeal for a catch. Knocked back by the umpire, England skipper Charlie Dean sent it upstairs for review. The TV umpire ultimately gave it out and Matthews was furious, remonstrating with the onflield umpires, then the fourth umpire. Of course in cricket, you will never win a debate with an umpire. Their word is final.

Said Matthews: “When I cut at the ball, I heard something which I thought was probably my bat handle or something like that, and I immediately went to the on-field umpires and told them that I heard a noise.” I certainly felt like I was far away from the ball, and I let them know what the case was, but the third umpire obviously has a decision to make.”

The innings never really gained any momentum, save for an entertaining knock from Chinelle Henry (51*) and the Windies finished we short on 148/5. It is quite curious that Stafanie Taylor wasn’t called on to bat. She has 74 unbeaten runs in the tournament to date yet continues to bat at number seven or lower. The former skipper’s cool head might have been able to turn the innings around.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge won Player of the match and with 193 runs is currently the leading batter of the tournament.

The table in Pool B is quite fascinating. England (8 points) should finish first, although they are still to play New Zealand (4). Even if England loses that match they will still finish in top spot. West Indies (6 points) will play Ireland in their final match. Assuming they win they will take second spot – it is doubtful they can catch England on run rate.

Scores

England 186/7 (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 65, Heather Knight 43, Ashmini Munisar 2-42) defeated
West Indies 148/5 (Chinelle Henry 51*, Jahzara Claxton 21, Charlie Dean 2-31) by 38 runs

POTM: Danni Wyatt-Hodge