Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 31 -- India took a step closer to defending their crown after breezing past Engand with a comfortable 9-wicket victory in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup on Friday.

With an emphatic win, India has booked with South Africa in the final on Sunday. Spinners set the tone of the game in the favour of the defending champions by thwarting England's batters.

The inspiring effort from the spinners restricted England to just 113/8. In reply, India's openers G Kamalini and Gongadi Trisha, provided an imposing start.

The opening pair laid the foundation of India's successful chase in the powerplay. With their belligerent display, the duo combined to put 44 runs on the board without the loss of any wickets at...