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Page last updated at 11:43 GMT, Thursday, 14 August 2008 12:43 UK

Edwards guides England to victory

Fourth women's ODI, Shenley:
England 159-4 (45 overs) beat South Africa 158 (47.3 overs) by six wickets

Captain Charlotte Edwards shared a century stand with Claire Taylor as England's women continued their winning ways against South Africa.

Edwards hit an unbeaten 58 and Taylor made 37 not out as they won by six wickets at Shenley to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match one-day series.

Only Alicia Smith (68) and Shandre Fritz (31) reached double figures as the tourists were bowled out for 158.

And after a rocky start to their reply, England won with five overs to spare.

Edwards's fifty was her 27th in a limited overs international and included nine fours.

606: DEBATE

But she and Taylor had to bring their experience to bear on proceedings after England's top order slump to 58-4 had offered encouragement to the South African attack.

Seamer Ashlyn Kilowan removed Jenny Gunn (26), Ebony Rainford-Brent (17) and Laura Marsh (nought) for magnificent figures of 3-19 from her 10 overs.

But South Africa's support bowlers were unable to separate Edwards and Taylor, who have played a combined total of more than 250 matches for England in all forms of the game.

With the series already in the bag, England coach Mark Lane took the opportunity to rest new-ball bowler Katherine Brunt and spinner Holly Colvin.

It allowed 16-year-old seamer Anya Shrubsole to make her debut and she took the final wicket of the South African innings after Isa Guha, Lynsey Askew and Marsh had picked up two apiece as the tourists failed to provide the necessary backing from Smith and Fritz.

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see also
England's women secure series win
11 Aug 08 |  Women's cricket
Record falls as England women win
08 Aug 08 |  Women's cricket
England's women start with a win
06 Aug 08 |  Women's cricket
England women v WI, SA & India 2008
14 Nov 07 |  Women's cricket


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