Claire Taylor's unbeaten 76 saw England into the final of the women's World Twenty20 as they beat arch-rivals Australia by eight wickets at the Oval here on Friday. World Cup champions England, chasing an imposing 164 to win, finished on 165 for two - the highest total of the tournament after Taylor and Beth Morgan (46 not out) shared an unbroken stand of 122 that saw them home with three balls to spare.
They will now play New Zealand in Sunday's final at Lord's after the White Ferns beat India by 52 runs on Thursday at Trent Bridge. England, who'd lost their last three one-day matches against Australia, were wobbling at 43 for two but their third wicket duo got the target down to 56 off the last six overs.
Taylor's fifty came up with her seventh four in 41 balls when she swept seamer Kirsten Pike down to fine leg. She then lofted Rene Farrell for four over extra cover and, with three overs left, England needed 27 more for victory.
Morgan then clipped a Pike full toss through to the mid-wicket boundary to bring up a century stand with Taylor in 67 balls featuring 10 fours. And next ball a leg glance also raced to the rope. But trying to sweep the next delivery, Morgan deflected the ball into the grille of her helmet.
England, with 12 balls left, needed 16 runs for victory. That became eight off eight when Taylor swept Farrell for four and, off the last over, England required four with Sarah Andrews the bowler. Morgan missed the quick's first ball but took a single off the next and next ball Taylor's square drive for four won England the match. England made a brisk start to their reply with captain Charlotte Edwards pulling Andrews for two fours in as many balls and later off-driving her to the boundary.
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