CHARLOTTE Edwards lifted England Women s second world title in three months at Lord s on Sunday. The ICC World Twenty20 title follows the 50-over World Cup the team collected in Australia in March. In a repeat of that Sydney final, England came up agains

CHARLOTTE Edwards lifted England Women's second world title in three months at Lord's on Sunday.

The ICC World Twenty20 title follows the 50-over World Cup the team collected in Australia in March.

In a repeat of that Sydney final, England came up against New Zealand, and claimed victory by six wickets in front of their home fans.

The win caps a memorable week for Edwards, from Pidley, who last week was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd at Lord's, Edwards won the toss and put faith in a bowling attack that had been ruthless throughout the competition.

The decision paid off almost instantly as Katherine Brunt produced a player-of-the-match performance, taking 3-6 in her four overs. Brunt's blitz left the Kiwis at 23-4, and she was ably supported by fellow seamers Nicky Shaw (2-17) and Jenny Gunn (2-19).

Only Kate Pulford, with 14 from 10 balls prevented New Zealand from posting the lowest score in women's Twenty20 internationals, dragging them to 85 all out.

Chasing such a modest target, England got off to a good start against a hesitant New Zealand field.

Edwards struck two confident fours to boost England's confidence, but was bowled by Sian Ruck for just nine runs as she searched for another boundary. Fellow opener Sarah Taylor (23) was joined at the crease by the star of the semi-final, Claire Taylor (39), but was back in the dug-out after edging to the keeper, and England were 39-2.

Beth Morgan (6) and Lydia Greenaway (3) briefly supported Claire Taylor's intelligent run-scoring, but England nerves seemed to grow as the target crept closer.

Claire Taylor seemed the calmest person in the ground as the winning line approached, and she sealed the win with three overs left.

Facing Nicola Browne, Taylor hit a final four over mid-off, to spark jubilant celebrations as England became double world champions.

Picture credit: ECB.com