Shrubsole hat-trick helps England close on World T20 semis

AFP  |  Gros Islet (Saint Lucia) 

took a as England thrashed by seven wickets in Saint Lucia to boost their hopes of reaching the Women's World Twenty20 semi-finals.

It was a must-win game for champions England after their opening game against was washed out, but a tame effort with the bat from ensured the match was never a real contest.

"Anya's bowled brilliantly for us, and to have so few runs to chase was nice," said England

The usually big-hitting Lizelle Lee crawled to a 26-ball 12 before being trapped by Natalie Sciver, who ended with incredible figures of three for four from four overs, as mustered a paltry 85 all out.

Shrubsole, the star of England's thrilling final win over last year, wrapped up the innings by becoming only the second woman from her country to take a T20 international after Sciver against in 2013.

She dismissed Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas and Yolani Fourie with the first three deliveries of the final over.

England openers and put on a quickfire 55, and wicketkeeper Amy Jones' driven four wrapped up a thumping victory with 35 balls to spare.

"The manner of the loss (means) we owe an apology to our whole country, it's not our character to roll over like that," bemoaned South Africa Dane van Niekerk, who was run out backing up for one.

"We have the firepower and the talent but you need to perform at World Cups against quality sides like England. I don't know what's going on, I don't have answers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, November 17 2018. 09:45 IST