England beat India and then won a tight match against New Zealand to stay in contention for a place in the World Cup semi-final; Watch the match against Pakistan live on Sky Sports from 1am Thursday
Sophia Dunkley believes England’s previous two games have been good preparation for the clash with Pakistan.
Sophia Dunkley believes the two previous group stage matches that England must win have ensured they are well prepared for Thursday’s Women’s World Cup clash against Pakistan.
The reigning champions edged hosts New Zealand with a wicket win in Auckland on Sunday to boost their hopes of reaching the last four, having made a rocky start to the tournament.
As a result, middle-order batsman Dunkley is certainly the acrimonious finisher to that encounter and the crucial win over India last week means England are in a good position ahead of the meeting with Pakistan.
“I think we felt like the last two games were almost semi-finals for us because, if we had lost, it puts us in a terrible position, so I think having those experiences and those feelings is going to be great,” Dunkley said.
“Hopefully we can get a couple more wins that aren’t as stressful and aren’t as close, but it’s good to have that experience for sure.”
England have struggled to close out games in the tournament, losing tight matches to the West Indies and South Africa early in the group stage.
Heather Knight’s side have just crossed the line against hosts New Zealand, having looked comfortable at 176-4 in pursuit of 204, and Dunkley agrees that’s something the players need to address.
“I think for me it would be finishing games and doing it clinically,” Dunkley said of where England need to improve the most.
“I think the other day we obviously lost some wickets late in the game and that put us under a little bit of pressure.
“So, I think having that hitter there at the end would definitely do us a lot of good, so we’re definitely looking to finish a few more games in the future.”
Pakistan head into the game buoyed by victory over the West Indies on Monday, but Dunkley and England are relishing the challenge in Christchurch.
“I think we’re always under a bit of pressure during the World Cup because it’s such a tight tournament,” Dunkley said.
“But I think after two wins we feel pretty confident in the group and we’re in a pretty good place so we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s a pretty exciting opportunity.”
Danni Wyatt has revealed how some honest talks have led England to improve their fielding standards to help turn around a rocky start to the tournament.
Missed sacks played a big part in England’s defeats in each of their first three games, but Wyatt believes the team has returned to the levels expected of themselves in wins over India and New Zealand.
“I’m not sure what happened in those first three games, but we had honest conversations about what we were doing wrong and what needs to be fixed,” Wyatt said. sky sports.
“The last few games, it really showed what we do on the field and everyone is on their feet now and enjoying being on the field. I really take pride in my fielding and try to do what I can out there.”
Wyatt has been promoted to lead off batting alongside Tammy Beaumont in this tournament, reflecting the role she has for the team in T20 matches.
The 30-year-old has nearly 2,000 runs to her name with a strike rate of 124.19 in the shorter format and got off to a great start against New Zealand, hitting three bounds before falling by 12.
Wyatt admits he is still looking for the best approach to opening up cricket batting 50 over a side, but he is benefiting from the advice of hitting coach Jon Lewis.
“I was very happy with the way I started in the last game,” Wyatt said. “That’s how I bat, and I think I’m better when I go to the bowlers.
“When I’ve been hitting at my best, I’ve been running well between the wickets, showing that intent, and leaning in to clear the outfield if it’s there. It’s my job to get us off to a good start and try to go big, and that’s what ODI cricket is all about.
“Tammy has obviously conquered the spot at the top of the order, and it’s just about being there, having a clear plan of the bowlers that I’m going to knock down and trying to build an inning, really. I’m just hanging out with a clear head, which is the way forward for me.
