England clinch thriller against Australia to book ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final spot, with South East Stars being represented by Alexa Stonehouse and Ryana Macdonald-Gay.
England Women U19 clinched a thrilling victory over Australia Women U19 to win the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup semi-final and reach Sunday’s final against India.
After batting first, England were indebted to Alexa Stonehouse and Josie Groves who put on 46 for the eighth wicket to take them to 99. The pair came together at a perilous 45-7, but gave their side something to defend – especially in a tournament in which England hadn’t conceded more than 103 before today.
Two early wickets, one for Stonehouse and one for Ellie Anderson, provided even more hope for Grace Scrivens’ side and the bowlers kept chipping away to create a tense finish. With just four runs needed for Australia to win, Scrivens trapped Australia’s No.11 Maggie Clarke in front to confirm England’s place in Sunday’s historic final against India.
Central Sparks leg-spinner Hannah Baker, who was awarded Player of the Match for her 3-10, said: “We’re all absolutely delighted. We really believed at the half-way mark that we could still win and the two early wickets gave us even more confidence.
“We knew if we kept the stumps in play we could keep causing problems and we backed each other in the field really well.
“Alexa and Josie played such a massive role in helping us get to a total that we had a chance to defend, so huge credit to them.
“There’s one massive game left – it’s so special to have qualified for the final – but we have to give it everything in one last game to hopefully come away with the trophy. It’s been an amazing competition, and we’ve learned so much, but there’s one more challenge to come and that’s our focus now.”
Sunday’s final is available to watch in the UK on Sky Sports Mix, 11.45am.
Scores in brief:
Toss: England, who elected to bat.
England 99 all out in 19.5 overs (Alexa Stonehouse 25, Grace Scrivens 20, Sianna Ginger three for 13, Maggie Clark three for 15)
Australia 96 all out after 18.4 overs (Amy Smith 26, Claire Moore 20, Hannah Baker three for 10, Grace Scrivens two for 8)
England won by three runs after 18.4 overs.
