England's 38-run win over West Indies at Lord's moved the England women's national cricket team vs West Indies women standings into the semi-finals on Wednesday evening. Danni Wyatt-Hodge's 65 off 42 balls set the tone for 186-7, and West Indies were held to 148-5 in reply.
Wyatt-Hodge gave England the scoreboard pressure they needed, while Heather Knight added 43. England finished with a total that West Indies could not match, even with the temperature reaching 35 degrees.
Wyatt-Hodge Sets the Pace
Wyatt-Hodge struck cleanly through the innings and carried England to 186-7. Heather Knight's 43 kept the innings moving after Hayley Matthews dropped her on 14, a miss that gave England extra room to build.
Nat Sciver-Brunt was absent because of a calf injury, and Charlie Dean said on Tuesday that she was "tracking well". She had been spotted in the nets at Lord's with her leg well strapped, a sign England were still managing her availability while the tournament moved into its knockout phase.
West Indies Stall at 148-5
West Indies stayed in the match for long periods and still finished 38 runs short. Hayley Matthews was given out caught behind after the TV umpire ruled on the decision, with Nimali Perera saying, "I could see a clear gap between bat and ball."
Deandra Dottin hit a six over long-on before Alice Capsey caught her, Sophie Ecclestone bowled Shemaine Campbelle, and Charlie Dean took two wickets. Jahzara Claxton made 21 off 34 balls, while Chinelle Henry was dropped in the deep on 28 before closing with two sixes in the 20th over and an eleventh-hour half-century.
Saturday's Qualification Picture
England are through to the semi-finals. West Indies now need to beat Ireland on Saturday to guarantee a semi-final place, while England face New Zealand later the same day.
Australia sit top of the group, and India and South Africa are fighting for the fourth semi-final spot. For West Indies, Saturday is now the last step they have left to control their own route through the standings.
