Charlotte Edwards has defiantly insisted that turning England’s fortunes around following their Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa will not be resolved any time soon.
England saw their three opening batsmen dismissed for ducks as their dreams of 50-over glory faded in a 125-run hammering in Guwahati.
This marked an inconclusive end to England’s first tournament under Edwards. Edwards was appointed in April following the 16-0 Ashes win over Australia.
“Getting to the semifinals puts us one step closer to the finals,” Edwards said. “I’m proud of what the team achieved, but it’s disappointing that we didn’t play our best cricket today and that’s something we have to reflect on.”
“I took on this role knowing it wasn’t going to change overnight,” she continued. “I saw some really positive results from this trip, we performed better under pressure.
“Overall, we are making progress and that is the most important thing, but ultimately you are determined by your results and today we are going out in the semi-final stage of the World Cup where we all had hoped to get to the final.
“I’m a winner. I don’t like losing. But equally, I knew what I was getting into in this role and I knew it wasn’t going to be resolved any time soon. That made me even hungrier to go home and work with these guys over the winter.”
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a masterclass to lead her side to victory, smashing 169 off 143 balls, including 20 fours and four sixes, as they posted 319-7 in 50 overs.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from England’s semi-final loss to South Africa at the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
England’s chase for the mammoth target began in dismal fashion with Amy Jones and Heather Knight dismissed in the first over as part of Marizanne Kapp’s five-hit while Tammy Beaumont fell to Ayabonga Khaka off the second ball.
There was some resistance with half-centuries from Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) but a successful chase never seemed possible and England were all out for 194 runs.
“I thought both players performed really well on the big stage,” Edwards added. “Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt – you don’t often get on the winning side just because someone hits 5-for-169.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain analyzes England’s performance, questioning how they can show greater improvement among their young players and address their weaknesses.
“Wolvaardt’s batting was great, Kapp’s was great. It just didn’t suit us today. There was some good batting and it’s difficult to restrict someone to 169 on a good wicket.”
Captain Sciver-Brunt echoed Edwards’ sentiments that progress had been made and vowed that Britain would emerge stronger after the defeat.
“We’ve come a long way since the summer,” Sciver-Brunt recalled. “We’ve definitely had different sides and learned a lot about ourselves.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt reacts to the dramatic end to their World Cup campaign, which saw South Africa secure a decisive win.
“This will hurt, but hopefully we can learn from this and move forward because we have made great progress in a short period of time.
“It’s really exciting what we can do, but we have to be at our best to beat the best teams. Hopefully we can come back stronger next time.”
What’s next?
The other Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final is scheduled to be played on Thursday, with Australia taking on co-hosts India in Navi Mumbai. sky sports cricket Starting at 9:00 AM, first ball is at 9:30 AM).
The winner will face South Africa in Sunday’s final. sky sports cricket From 9am (first ball 9:30am). Stream cricket, soccer, golf, and more with NOW without a contract.
