Cricket: Rest days for NZ women as they reach the semis

New Zealand reached the semifinals of the women's World Cup cricket tournament with a clinical 93-run victory over England in Christchurch yesterday.

Their last-four opponents on Wednesday will probably be India.

The other semifinal, on Monday, will be between Australia and, most likely, South Africa.

Australia should complete round-robin play unbeaten tomorrow when they meet bottom-placed the Netherlands, while South Africa should clinch the last semifinal spot in their match against Ireland.

Yesterday's win means New Zealand have five days before their semifinal and the team have been rewarded for their performances by getting two days away from the host venue at Lincoln University before reassembling on Sunday.

They had a near-perfect start to their innings after being sent in, totalling 106 for one by the 20th over, with Rebecca Rolls (65) and Emily Drumm (53) in charge.

A target approaching 300 beckoned at one stage, but England began calling the tune when the Drumm-Rolls stand ended.

The momentum slowed even further when Drumm and Debbie Hockley (22) departed within an over of each other after reaching 145 for two in the 31st over.

However, aggressive cameos from Kathryn Ramel (26) and Helen Watson (15) lifted the home side to a still-imposing 238 for eight.

England withered before the consistent New Zealand attack and their inability to play with little confidence and control on a docile pitch. They finally perished in the 48th over for 145.

Ireland won the wooden-spoon battle against the Netherlands by 41 runs at Hagley Oval.

In reply to Ireland's 232 for six, the Netherlands reached 191-8.

- NZPA