England have eased through to the semi-final of the women's cricket World Cup in India.

England comprehensively outplayed Sri Lanka, and 18-year-old Charlotte Edwards was again the star of the side - taking three wickets and scoring more than half of the runs.

Sri Lanka opted to bat after winning the toss and England fielded first for the only time in the competition so far. England responded with some sharp work, including three stumpings and three run-outs.

Jan Brittin, meanwhile, took the best catch off Melissa Reynards' bowling at first slip for the third wicket, that of Rasanjali Silva for four.

Brittin was also responsible for the fourth wicket, running out Indralatha with a throw from square leg.

18-year-old Charlotte Edwards

Clare Taylor and Reynard took two wickets each, but leg-spinner Edwards again stole the show, finishing off the tail-end with three of the last five wickets.

She also caught Sri Lanka's top scorer Vanessa Bowen, who went for 38 after a 110-minute innings.

England achieved their target of 105 in just 22.1 overs, losing just one wicket along the way. Charlotte Edwards top scored with 57.

England are now through to the semi-final in Madras on Boxing Day, with New Zealand likely to be their opponents. They play Ireland on Tuesday.
 

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