Edwards satisfied with victory

Opener Charlotte Edwards' disappointment at being dismissed for 99 against South Africa in Pretoria was tempered by an eight-wicket victory which has strengthened England's grip on a place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.

Edwards, who has made hundreds at the two previous tournaments, shared a 133-run stand for the second wicket with Claire Taylor (55not out).

That helped England reach their target of 175 with 10.1 overs to spare to claim a bonus point.

They had lost Laura Newton for 10 in the ninth over but Edwards and Taylor set up the victory before Alicia Smith claimed her second wicket to deny the England opener her century.

Taylor and Clare Connor saw the side to victory with the captain's five not out taking her to within three of 1,000 one-day-international runs.

Earlier Lucy Pearson and Isa Guha both claimed two wickets as South Africa were restricted to 174 for six from their 50 overs despite opener Cri-Zelda Brits making 46.

The result, which ensured the hosts cannot reach the last four, more than made up for Edwards missing out on a personal milestone.

"I'm absolutely delighted we won and picked up the bonus point as it should secure us a place in the semi-final, especially after the disappointment of not making the semis at the last World Cup," she said.

"Winning the game was much more important than making a century for me. I think this will stay in my memory as one of my best knocks."