Kent openers and Laura Marsh inspire England into WT20 semis

Kent's Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont started strongly before Laura Marsh was the pick of the attack as England defeated Pakistan to reach the Women's World T20 semi-finals.

Edwards became the first player (male or female) to pass 2,500 T20 international runs with her second half-century of the tournament and Beaumont hit a career-best 37 from 26 balls as England scored 68 in the first nine overs.

Nat Sciver and Danni Wyatt added 32 in 24 balls as Edwards carried her bat as England ended on 148 for five.

In reply, Pakistan rarely threaten to chase the target as Katherine Brunt (1-11) and Anya Shrubsole (2-16) struck with the new ball.

Spin prospered again in helpful conditions as Kent's Laura Marsh made a great impact bowling first-change, taking 3-12 in four overs ably supported by Nat Sciver's 2-22.

England wrapped up an 86-run win as all-rounder Georgia Elwiss and Shrubsole wrapped up the tail.

In the semi-finals, England will face Australia in New Delhi on Wednesday and in Thursday's other match, New Zealand play West Indies in Mumbai for a place in next Sunday's finale in Kolkata.