Australia beat England to reach final

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April 06, 2005 14:02 IST

Riding on skipper Belinda Clarke's brilliant 62, Australia moved into the final of the women's World Cup beating England by five wickets at the Supersport Park in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

Australia reached the victory target of 159 for loss of five wickets in 47 overs after England, put in to bat by Clarke, were bundled out in 49.4 overs.

Clarke, who top scored with a half-century hit seven boundaries during her 122-minute knock. She shared in useful partnerships of 45 for the second and third wicket with Karen Rolton (14) and Mel Jones (15). Lisa Delaka also made an useful contribution of 29 runs.

Earlier, Cathryn Fitzpatrick took three wickets reducing England to 21 for three at one stage. Arran Brindle (32) and Clare Connor (30) played useful knocks to take England to safety after the initial loss of wickets.

But with Connor's dismissal England were miserable at 106 for 8. Clare Taylor scored 29 in the closing overs to help England reach 158.

Fitzpatrick, who took 3 for 27, was the most successful bowler for Australia, who are still unbeaten in the tournament.

Australia will now meet the winners of the second semi-final between India and New Zealand to be played on Thursday.

The final will take place at Centurion on Sunday.

 

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