Let's finish job, says Edwards as England women reach final

(Getty)

The England captain, Charlotte Edwards, has warned her team they have "only done half a job" after clinching their place in the final of the Women's World Cup at the Drummoyne Oval here yesterday. England maintained their perfect record at the tournament with a 146-run win against West Indies to ensure their place in Sunday's final. It will be the first time England have played in a World Cup final since 1993, but Edwards is not getting carried away just yet.

"We're now closer to our goal than we have ever been. We've still only done half a job, though, and need to keep focused to finish it off on Sunday," said Edwards, who is competing at her fourth World Cup. "I'm delighted for the players, it has been years of hard work and I hope it will be memorable."

England are likely to face New Zealand in Sunday's showpiece, in what would be a repeat of the 1993 final when England won their second and most recent World Cup. The only other possible final pairing would see England play the five-time champions Australia, who must win their final Super Sixes game – against England tomorrow – and hope New Zealand lose to Pakistan.

The England head coach, Mark Lane, however, echoed Edwards' warning. "We're definitely excited to have got this far, but it's not over yet," Lane said. "Credit must go to everyone who has put all the hard work in. There is still so much more to do. We still need a big performance on Sunday, which no doubt we can produce."

Sarah Taylor (78) and Caroline Atkins (50) paved the way for yesterday's win with an opening stand of 134 after Edwards had won the toss and chosen to bat. Both fell in quick succession to prompt a collapse of four wickets for just 11 runs before Claire Taylor, the tournament's leading scorer, hit 65 from 56 balls to help them to 236 for 8. West Indies' reply was quickly undermined as they slumped to 22 for 4. Off-spinner Laura Marsh claimed 3 for 17 as England bundled out their rivals for just 90 from 38.2 overs.

The win ensured they will go into tomorrow's final Super Sixes match against Australia with the opportunity to end the hosts' ambitions.