Women's World Twenty20: Charlotte Edwards denies revenge will be motivator after England reach final against Australia

England today recorded a comfortable nine-wicket win over South Africa

Agency
Friday 04 April 2014 15:48 BST
Comments
Charlotte Edwards leads out the England team in the victory over South Africa in the Women's World Twenty20
Charlotte Edwards leads out the England team in the victory over South Africa in the Women's World Twenty20

England captain Charlotte Edwards has denied that revenge will motivate her side in Sunday's Women's World Twenty20 final against Australia.

England ensured a re-match of the last World Twenty20 decider with a comfortable nine-wicket semi-final win over South Africa in Dhaka.

Australia pipped England by just four runs for the title two years ago, but Edwards does not believe the pain of that defeat will concern her side.

"No, not at all. Everyone is saying it is about revenge but it's not at all," Edwards said at the on-field post-match press conference shown on Sky Sports 2.

"We are preparing ourselves now for a good performance and if we do that we're quite capable of winning."

Since the last World Twenty20, England have won back-to-back Ashes series against the old enemy.

The latest of those was completed in January, when England sewed up the multi-format series with a wide-margin win in the opening Twenty20 at Hobart.

While two defeats followed in the remaining dead-rubber games, Edwards is hopeful of continuing winning form against the Aussies.

"We've had two outstanding Ashes series over the last six months which have been some of the best cricket I've played in in my career," Edwards said.

"Hopefully Sunday is going to be more of the same."

England were never troubled after South Africa were bowled out for 101.

Player of the match Anya Shrubsole claimed two for 11, but the tale of the innings was a record-equalling five run out.

South Africa were compliant in their downfall with some frenetic running, allowing England's well-drilled fielding unit to pounce.

Sarah Taylor then batted through the reply with an unbeaten 44 from 45 balls.

Edwards added 36 while Heather Knight chipped in with 21 not out as the chase was completed in 16.5 overs.

"The team played exceptionally well today - it's the kind of performance you want in a semi-final," Edwards added.

"We want to keep that going now and keep that momentum. It's all about putting that big performance in now on Sunday."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in