With a semi-finals place secured, England’s last Super 6s match was against the West Indies. Although their qualification for the knockout stages was confirmed, their opponent was yet to be decided, based on their performance against the West Indies. Changes were made as keeper, Maddie Ward, left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse and all-rounder, Ellie Anderson came into the side.
Captain Grace Scrivens continued her good form at the toss, winning again, and electing to bat. The skipper and her dynamic batting partner, Liberty Heap, made their way to the crease scoring 9 from their first over. It was a modest innings for Heap as she was bowled round the legs by Asabi Callender for 13. England displayed their competitive fitness levels, being rapid between the wickets — something that has set them apart this tournament. A combination of powerful batting and a speedy outfield helped England to bring up their 100 in the 12th over. Western Storm’s Niamh Holland fell shortly after the milestone for 21 as she was deceived by Abini St. Jean’s leg spin bringing Seren Smale to the crease. Scrivens took control of the innings bringing up her third half-century of the tournament from 41 balls. The Sunrisers all-rounder’s innings ended on 56 as Ashmini Munisar came into the attack, bowling the skipper and picking up her first wicket. Off-spinner Munisar featured again taking the catch off her down bowling to dismiss Davina Perrin for 9. Both Seren Smale and Charis Pavely fired from the started, Smale finishing 28* from 19 balls and Pavely 29* from 16. England’s innings finished on 179/4.
It was the ideal start with the ball for England as Ellie Anderson opened the bowling, taking the wicket of Realeanna Grimmond in her first over, Sophia Smale taking the catch. Alexa Stonehouse’s big appeal after pitching one on leg saw Shunelle Shaw heading back to the pavilion for 3. It was Stonehouse that had the impact again as she steamed in, splitting the stumps of Naijanni Cumberbatch for 4. Zaida James’ innings was short lived as Davina Perrin took a low catch at cover off the bowling of Sophia Smale. Djenaba Joseph started to build a partnership with Callendar however, Ellie Anderson came back into the attack and some quick work behind the stumps by Maddie Ward’s saw the end of Callendar for 17. The West Indies had slipped to 70/5 but yet again, Anderson struck and bowled Trishan Holder for 0. The Worcestershire seamer took her 4th and 5th wicket to dismiss Ashmini Munisar and Jannillea Glasgow for 1 and 0 respectively, finishing with figures of 5/12. England were victorious as the West Indies fell short by 95 runs, England finishing first in their group.
England’s now progress to the semi finals where they will face Australia as they finished first in group 2. Their semi-final takes places at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom on Friday 27th January at 11.45am GMT
Full scorecard: https://www.u19worldcup.com/match/101669#scorecard
Although it was obviously another thrashing of a weak side and 5 wins from 5 , it worries me we have not played anyone any good so it's hard to judge just how good the ENG girls are. With no disrespect to Zimbabwe, Ireland or Rwanda, you'd expect ENG to tonk the likes of those. AUS will prove a sterner test. I am sure they are up to the task . If we can beat AUS well we will know we have world beaters !