Five wickets for Marsh maintains unbeaten start

A fine display of spin bowling from Laura Marsh ensured England topped Group B at the ICC Women’s World Cup.

Marsh took 5-15, in her 10 overs, as England coasted to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan at North Sydney Oval.

Pakistan had got off to an excellent start, after winning the toss and batting, but the loss of Nain Abidi (27) when the score was 51-1 sparked a dramatic collapse, as the final nine wickets fell for just 27 runs.

Marsh bowled a beautifully controlled spell of spin bowling, well supported by the left-arm spin of Holly Colvin, who took 1-8 in her 10-over spell, before Charlotte Edwards wrapped up the tail with two wickets.

In reply, Sarah Taylor (11) fell early on to Qanita Jalil, before Ebony Rainsford-Brent (18) and Charlotte Edwards (32 not out) added 35 for second-wicket.

Although Rainsford-Brent was dismissed by Sana Mir, going for an ugly slog, England cruised to a comfortable win with 26.5 overs to spare. 

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - News  Thursday, March 12, 2009 12:03:13 AM