Cricket news round-up – March 2: England and South Africa reach Women’s T20 World Cup knockouts

Sri Lanka won ODI series against West Indies. Bangladesh took a lead against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at home. South Africa and England reach semifinals of Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

Sri Lanka complete whitewash against West Indies

Sri Lanka completed a 3-0 series win against West Indies after another tight game. Batting first, Sri Lanka delivered a good, combined batting performance to post 307 all out in 50 overs. The Key contributions came from Kushal Mendis (55) and Dhananjaya de Silva (51). For West Indies, Alzarri Joseph ended with 4/65 in 10 overs.

West Indies started the chase strongly as all of their top three scored fifties. Shai Hope top-scored with 72 whereas Sunil Ambris scored 60 and Nicholas Pooran 50. The captain Kieron Pollard also contributed with 49 and with 218/2 in 40^th over it was a West Indies’ game. But this is when the experienced Angelo Mathews started his tricks. He turned back the clock to bowl his full quota and deliver a match-winning performance by picking up four wickets including one in the 50^th over to end the game in favour of the Lankans.

Bangladesh take 1-0 lead against Zimbabwe

Liton Das’ century and a half-century from Mohammad Mithun helped Bangladesh set a massive score against Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the ongoing series. Das scored a 105-ball 126 and Mithun scored a 50 off 41 balls. Chris Mpofu picked up two major middle-order batsmen of Bangladesh but that was not enough to stop the rampage. Seven Bangladesh batsmen reached double figures with the minimum being scored by Mushfiqur Rahim (19). Bangladesh were comfortable with the huge 321/6 in their 50 overs.

Zimbabwe’s chase was never smooth as they started to lose wickets from the beginning. Wesley Madhevere ended as their top scorer with 35 runs. Mohammad Saifuddin took three wickets conceding 22 runs in seven overs whereas Mashrafe Mortaza and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two each. Eventually, Zimbabwe were bundled up for 152 runs in 39.1 overs.

South Africa Women reach knockouts

South Africa Women continued their winning run in the T20 World cup and ensured their position in the knockouts. Batting first South Africa did not have a good start as both openers were dismissed cheaply. However, the middle order performed well led by Laura Wolvaardt who scored 53 and was supported by Marizanne Kapp (35). They posted 136/6 as Diana Baig picked up two wickets. Pakistan started steadily but lost too many quick wickets in the middle. Only the captain Javeria Khan scored a respectable 31. Later Aliya Riaz scored 39 but it was not enough as they lost the match by 17 runs. After this result, Pakistan are now out of the race for the knockouts.

England Women secure semifinal slot

A low scoring match between England Women and West Indies Women saw England beating the Windies by 46 runs to secure a semifinal berth. After an initial blow in the first over, Natalie Sciver (57) and Danni Wyatt (29) stabilized the innings. Later a 13-ball 23* by Amy Jones helped England post 143/5 in 20 overs. During the run-chase West Indies lost wickets frequently and after Stefanie Taylor got retired hurt the middle order crumbled like a house of cards. West Indies were 42/4 from 41/2 in no time. There was not much hope left and despite the lower middle order tried to put op some resistance the game was out of the reach by then. West Indies were final all-out for 97 runs in 17.1 overs.