05 March 2020

England miss out on chance to reach T20 World Cup final after rained-off semi clash with India

England's women have been eliminated from the ICC T20 Women's World Cup after their semi-final with India was washed out without a ball being bowled at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India, who topped Group A, will advance straight to their first T20 World Cup final while Heather Knight's England will leave Sydney damp and heartbroken.

With heavy rain forecast and no reserve day in place, teams were aware this would be the case should a wash-out occur.

It was reported that Cricket Australia approached the ICC on Wednesday regarding a reserve day but proposals were quashed because it was deemed unfeasible to extend the tournament despite the final not taking place until Sunday.

The same measures are also in place for the men's tournament which will take place in Australia in October, although much less rain is forecast compared to March, which is historically the rainiest month in the Australian city.

Nonetheless England's players were visibly upset, as they would have been confident of their chances against India, whom they beat in a 3-0 whitewash in a T20 series in India last year.

"It's really frustrating, and not how we wanted the World Cup to finish for us," said Knight.

"Our aim was to get to the semi-finals which we did, it's all very English talking about the weather but it's frustrating not getting that chance to play for the final.

"Cricket hasn't been the finisher for us."

England will rue their defeat against South Africa in the opening game as this was ultimately what cost them the chance to make amends for their 2018 final loss and bid for their first T20 title since the inaugural event in 2009.

England's players leave the SCG looking dejected (PA Images)

The second semi-final is due to take place later today with hosts Australia, minus lynchpin player Ellyse Perry, who is out with a hamstring injury, taking on South Africa.

Should the weather persist, South Africa, having topped Group B, will advance to meet India in the final and Australia will lose the chance to defend their title at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women's Day, March 8.

LATEST:  the toss has been delayed for the second semi-final but the covers are coming off and play may well go ahead at the SCG.

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