Gros Islet (Saint Lucia), May 11: India have won through to the semi-finals of the women’s World Twenty20 and will face Australia in the last four at the Beausejour Stadium here on Thursday.
Meanwhile New Zealand, last year’s losing finalists, will be up against hosts the West Indies in the second semi-final at the same venue on Friday after champions England failed to reach the knockout stages.
India advanced after a crushing 71 run victory over Sri Lanka in St. Kitts on Monday. Batting first, they made 144/3, with Sulakshana Naik (59) and Mithali Raj (52) both scoring fifties.
Off-spinner Diana David then led the India attack with 4/12 as Sri Lanka were held to 71/9 from their 20 overs at Warner Park.
“It’s obviously good to know we’ve now qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament and we’re looking forward to facing Australia next in St. Lucia,” said India captain Jhulan Goswami
“I was very pleased with how we performed today...We need to carry this good form to St. Lucia,” she added.
Earlier, New Zealand pace bowler Nicola Brown took four wickets for just 15 runs as Pakistan managed a meagre 65/9.
Only three Pakistanis made it into double figures, Nain Abidi (11), Urooj Mumtaz (14) and Sania Khan (15).
New Zealand reached their target in under nine overs, although they did lose four wickets along the way.
England, beaten first up on sixes countback by Australia after not even a ‘super-over’ could separate the teams, were knocked out with a group game to spare after losing to the West Indies by two runs last weekend.
The West Indies made 122/8, with star bat Deandra Dottin out for a first ball nought.
But England, despite sound contributions from openers Sarah Taylor (33) and captain Charlotte Edwards (31) suffered a middle-order collapse.
They rallied but needing four to win off the last ball, saw Katherine Brunt run out.
— AFP
Scores: India 144/3 in 20 overs (Sulakshana Naik 59, Mithali Raj 52) bt Sri Lanka 73/9 in 20 overs (Rasangika 31 n.o.; Diana David 4/12).