Edwards powers England to semis

Charlotte played a captain’s knock as she scored an unbeaten 77 from 61 balls, smashing 10 fours in the process, to lead England to a 68-run win over Pakistan in the Women's World T20 match at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

England skipper Chalotte Edwards set up her side's win with an unbeaten 77.

Needing to chase 149 inside 18.1 overs to qualify for semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20, Pakistan batters crumbled under pressure as England won its final group game by 68 runs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here today. England Women bowled out Pakistan for 80 in 17.5 overs.

West Indies and England have qualified for semi-finals from Group B, with the latter winning all four of its group matches. Katherine Brunt struck in the first over of the Pakistan innings, removing Sidra Ameen. Within seven overs, Pakistan lost five of its top batters.

Laura Marsh, who joined the team to replace Danielle Hazell — who returned home with a calf injury — picked three wickets, giving away 12 runs from her four overs.

Natalie Sciver contributed with the bat and ball -- she scored 15 from eight balls and then picked two wickets. Anya Shrubsole and Georgia Elwiss also picked two wickets each.

Nahida Khan looked promising in the beginning when she hit three fours. She scored 15 from 11. Nida Dar was the top scorer for Pakistan with 16 from 11.

Charlotte played a captain’s knock as she scored an unbeaten 77 from 61 balls, smashing 10 fours in the process. Tammy Beaumont, who was the player of the match against West Indies, scored 37 hitting five fours and a six. Charlotte and Tammy were involved in 68-run partnership for the first wicket.

Nida Rashid was the star bowler for Pakistan as she picked up three wickets, giving away only 21 runs from four overs. England will play Australia in the semifinal at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on March 30.

SANA'S LAST MATCH AS SKIPPER

Sana Mir revealed that she will be stepping down as the captain of the T20 side. She will continue to play the shortest format of the game and lead the team in one-dayers.

“Before coming to the tournament, I informed PCB that this would be my last as T20 captain. I will be available as a player. I will continue as one-day captain.”

Speaking about the semi-final with Australia, Charlotte said: “We know when we come to a World Cup, we have to beat every team to win it. We are looking forward to Wednesday. We have got a good record away from World Cup finals, so we will be holding on to that. It’s gonna be one hell of a semi-final.”