England edge closer to World Cup semis after cruising past Pakistan

England took a step closer to a World Cup semi-final berth with a comprehensive victory against Pakistan, bowling them out for 105 in 41.3 overs before a welcome return to form for Danni Wyatt (76 not out from 68 balls) saw the defending champions chase down the runs with nine wickets and 184 balls to spare – giving a healthy boost to their net run rate in the process.

Katherine Brunt, who before this match had taken only one wicket in the tournament, responded to her critics with a return of 3 for 17, before Sophie Ecclestone (3 for 18) wrapped up the tail.

Brunt said that she was happy to have finally made a contribution to the team, after a lean run of form with the ball. “We’ve been on tour a long time, 11 weeks away from home. When you’re having to turn up every day and put on a brave face, it’s difficult,” she said. “I’m a really competitive person, and I want so badly to contribute every game, in any way. I always want to be involved, so when you’re not, it genuinely feels rubbish.”

“That [first] wicket brought a lot of feelings out of me – I felt a lot of relief,” she added. “We will definitely take a lot of confidence from this and we will keep trying to gain momentum.”

England also pulled off two smart run-outs, as Pakistan were reduced to 59 for 5 in the first 25 overs of their innings and failed to claw it back.

England had won the toss and opted to bowl first, but struggled early on in their chase due to a hooping opening spell from Diana Baig. Tammy Beaumont was struck in front playing across the line in the fifth over, and Pakistan correctly opted to review the on-field not-out decision. Baig then consistently beat the bat of Heather Knight (24 not out), who hung around but left most of the scoring shots