England through to the Women’s Cricket World Cup final

KABUL (SW): England has reached the Women's Cricket World Cup final by beating South Africa with only two balls to spare in a thrilling semi-final.

Batting first, South Africa managed to set a formidable target of 218. However, South Africa made it hard for themselves to defend the total by dropping a catch and giving away a handful of byes in the first 10 overs. Anya Shrubsole hit the decisive boundary to seal a two-wicket win for England, which required two runs from the last three balls in Bristol.

South Africa earlier won the toss and chose to bat. It scored 6-218 off 50 overs after opener Laura Wolvaardt (66) and the unbeaten Mignon du Preez (76 not out) had given the underdogs hope of a shock victory. But Sarah Taylor set England on its way with 54 before Jenny Gunn (27 not out) and Shrubsole dragged the hosts over the line to 8-221.

For second semi-final, India would take on mighty Australian squad on Thursday. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand failed to reach to the second round of the competition. Final match would be played at the Lords on 23 July.

ENDS