England cruised into the Women's World Cup semi-finals with a crushing 100-run victory over Bangladesh in their final group stage match in Wellington on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It sealed a dramatic resurgence for the defending champions who had been on the brink of elimination after losing their first three matches in the 50-over competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They then won all of their remaining four games to secure a place in the top four.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The comprehensive win saw them overtake the West Indies to join top qualifiers Australia and South Africa in the knockout stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The final berth will be decided later Sunday in the match between India and South Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India, who lost the 2017 World Cup final to England, must win or the West Indies will take the final semi-final spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England lost wickets at regular intervals in the first half of their innings and were 96 for four before Sophia Dunkley, who scored 67, led a middle-order charge to get the score up to a defendable 234 for six.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh found it difficult to score against a tight England attack, averaging just 2.79 runs per over until they were all out for 134 with 12 balls remaining.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Player-of-the-match Dunkley faced just 72 deliveries, scoring eight fours, and featured in a 72-run partnership with Amy Jones (31) for the fifth wicket and then put on 43 with Katherine Brunt (24 not out) for the sixth wicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Salma Khatun, who took the prized England wickets of Heather Knight for six and Nat Sciver for 40, finished with two for 46.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh never threatened to get near the English total despite a safe start by Shamima Sultana and Sharmin Akhter who put on 42 for the opening wicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n