By Dominic Farrell and Dave Clark
England will face South Africa in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Twenty20 after India completed the Group B schedule with a resounding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Sylhet.
The Windies still progress as runners-up but are handed the task of tackling defending champions Australia.
Deandra Dottin top scored with 57 for West Indies -who defeated England in the opening group game - but she received scant support as India restricted them to 117 for seven.
It was an impressive collective effort from the Indian attack, ensuring West Indies never got away despite Dottin’s best efforts.
Harmanpreet Kaur then produced some impressive death bowling, accounting for Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry to finish with 2-12.
Although England overcame India by five wickets with something to spare during in the competition, Mithali Raj proved a thorn in their side courtesy of an excellent half-century.
India’s imperious captain was at it again in today’s chase, striking six fours in an unbeaten 55.
Poonam Raut also shone with 56 in a 117-run opening stand that made the result a formality by the time she was dismissed by Shakera Selman - one of eight West Indies bowlers who failed to combat the onslaught that came their way.
The upshot is England must overcome the Proteas for a chance to regain the trophy they won in 2009. To do so they would either have to avenge their earlier tournament loss or defeat rivals Australia.
England came off second best when the two sides contested a thrilling 2012 final. Although back-to-back Ashes triumphs have subsequently softened that blow, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor told ecb.co.uk that Charlotte Edwards’ side would relish revenge for that low moment.
““I can’t speak for every single player that was playing then (2012), but I think the majority will say that they never want to feel how they did that day ever again, so we’ve learnt from that experience,” she said.
Elsewhere, hosts Bangladesh finished the campaign with a maiden victory as they beat Sri Lankaby three runs.
With both sides already eliminated from Group B, Rumana Ahmed’s 41 helped Bangladesh post 115 for nine.
Sri Lanka looked to be cruising at 67 for two after 11 overs, but the wicket of top-scorer Yasoda Mendis for 33 sparked a collapse, with Panna Ghosh grabbing 3-18.