CRICKET: Charlotte's England fall at semi-final hurdle

England were beaten by five runs despite looking set for victory throughout most of their innings after being set a modest 133 to win.

Edwards, who started her career at Ramsey Cricket Club, batted well for 31 as England reached 67-0 and then 89-1 before collapsing to 122-7.

Edwards said: “The teams know a lot about each other. There are no secrets between us.

“But Australia held their nerve at the crucial moments better than we did and that was the difference.

“We did not start well with the ball, but dragged it back.

“We also started well with the bat, but we just couldn’t get over the line.

“There were glimpses of hope towards the end, but it just wasn’t to be for us today.”

Australia will now play the winners of today’s (Thursday) semi-final between New Zealand and West Indies in Sunday’s (April 3) final as they attempt to win the competition for the fourth time in a row.

England had won all four of their group matches, but they were erratic in the field, and with their shot selection when batting, when the pressure was at its greatest.

Edwards’ own form has been excellent. She became the first player to pass 200 runs for the tournament during her innings against Australia.

Edwards, who may be coming to the end of her international career, scored 77 not out against Pakistan and 60 against Bangladesh in the group stages.

Edwards also became the first lady player to pass 2,500 Twenty/20 international runs during the tournament.

She batted well against Australia scoring her runs off just 29 balls and striking four boundaries during a promising opening stand with top scorer Tammy Beaumont (32).

England are next in action in three one-day internationals and three Twenty/20 internationals against Pakistan at home in the summer.