POTCHEFSTROOM: England bowlers held their nerves calms to defend a paltry total and propelled their side to a thrilling three-run triumph over Australia and booked their spot in the final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Put into bat first, the English batting lineup failed completely and bundled out for a meagre 99 runs in the first innings despite Alexa Stonehouse’s 26.

The side kept losing wickets at regular intervals before eventually getting out in the final over.

England had a deplorable start to their innings but skipper Grace Scrivens attempted to anchor with a cautious 20-run knock before finally perishing in the ninth over.

Following Scrivens’ dismissal, Stonehouse took the charge of England’s expedition and took her side to 95 in the 19th over despite receiving no support from the other end.

The right-handed batter top-scored for her side with a gritty 25 off 33 deliveries and smashed two boundaries.

Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward and Maggie Clark led the bowling charge for Australia with three wickets each, while Milly Illingworth could take one.

Set to chase a mere 100, Australia fell just three runs short of glory as they were bowled for 96 runs in the penultimate over.

Amy Smith (26) remained the top-scorer for her side in pursuit but failed to power her side over the line as she was dismissed in the 16th over.

Besides Smith, Claire Moore (20) and Hayward (16) remained the notable run-getters for Australia, but in vain.

Hannah Baker was the pick of the bowlers for England with 3/10 while Scrivens followed up with 2/8. Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Josie Groves, Ellie Anderson and Stonehouse, on the other hand, struck out a batter each.

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