England Women pipped by Australia in WT20 semi

England women fell agonisingly short as reigning World T20 champions Australia reached the final by five runs in Delhi.

Kent openers Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont gave England a great platform with 67 for the first wicket in 10 overs, leaving England needing a run a ball off 10 overs to chase the victory target of 133.

Edwards led by example after winning the toss and opting to field, passing 200 tournament runs at an average of 50.5 to become the top run-scorer with 31 from 29 balls in the semi-final.

Earlier, Kent’s Laura Marsh was England’s most economical bowler with 1-18 in four overs, striking when trapping opener Alyssa Healy LBW attempting a reverse sweep.

Nat Sciver was the pick of the bowlers with 2-22 in three overs and an agile run-out to remove Alex Blackwell.

Australia skipper Meg Lanning’s 55 off 50 balls proved vital and earned her the player-of-the-match award.

In reply, England squandered their good start as regular wickets fell with Danni Wyatt’s 10 off 9 and Katherine Brunt’s 11 off 5 balls gave England brief hope before falling just short losing five wickets for 26 runs in 22 balls.