SWINDON’S Lauren Bell is gearing up for England’s final T20 Women’s World Cup group game with Pakistan on Tuesday, days after an inspired team bowling performance guaranteed Jon Lewis’ side a semi-final spot in South Africa.
England overcame a couple of rocky moments to beat India by 11 runs in Gqeberha on Saturday, meaning they only need to avoid defeat to Pakistan to secure top spot in their group.
Despite stumbling to 29-3 against India, England posted a competitive total of 151-7 with wicketkeeper Amy Jones contributing a quickfire 40 off 27 balls, highlighting the more attacking mantra promoted by Swindon-raised Lewis.
In response, Bell took the wicket of opener Shafali Verma for eight early on – Katherine Sciver-Brunt completing the catch – before England withstood a fine half-century from Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh’s late blitz to claim arguably their most impressive win since Lewis took charge of the side in November last year.
Not only would a win over Pakistan continue England’s 100 per cent record in the tournament so far, but finishing top guarantees any contest between England and Australia – the defending champions and red-hot favourites to win a sixth crown – would not take place until Sunday’s final in Cape Town, should both teams get through.
Bell’s England teammate Jones accepts if England are to scoop a second title, and first since the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2009, then they will likely have to get past Australia, who have already sealed top spot in the other group, at some point.
“If we’re to win the World Cup, we need to beat India, Australia,” Jones said. “For us, it’s not really important when we come up against them.
“Obviously they’re an incredible side but it’s not something we’re thinking about, trying to avoid them.
“We’ve come to win the World Cup and to do that we’re going to have to beat them at some stage. I guess the timing is not really important.”
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