 England are ranked 3rd in the world |
England beat South Africa 44-41 on Friday to set up a semi-final meeting with defending champions Australia at the Netball World Championships. Australia, who were already assured of a place in the last four, crushed Barbados 62-35.
England were forced to come back from four goals down after being locked at 24-24 at half-time and 33-33 in the third quarter.
But Sonia Mkoloma's defence helped restrict South Africa's goal shooter Sindisiwe Gumede and England triumphed despite a 58% shooting success rate.
"We had a bad shooting day, and yet we still won," said captain Olivia Murphy.
Barbados out-rebounded Australia and matched them goal for goal in the third quarter, causing Australia coach Jill McIntosh to label her side's play "ill-disciplined and sloppy."
New Zealand thrashed Samoa 81-28 and Jamaica beat Fiji 74-38 to book the other two semi-final places.
The United States closed their campaign with a hard-fought 52-50 victory over Trinidad and Tobago to claim ninth place.
It was the first time the United States had beaten a team ranked in the top eight and takes them into the top 10 for the first time.
"Hopefully this showing will wake up others about USA netball," said coach Adrienne Spencer.
MMIX
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