WWC: Taylor, Beaumont stitch record stand in Bristol run-fest

Bristol: England emerged triumphant by 68 runs against South Africa on a day where 678 runs were scored in the ICC Women's World Cup here.

Batting first, England rode on a second-wicket stand of 275 between Sarah Taylor and Tammy Beaumont - the highest in Women's World Cup history and the second-highest in all women's ODIs - to notch up 373 for five in 50 overs.

Taylor (147) and Beaumont (148) both struck centuries for England, with the former's knock coming in just 104 balls with the help of 24 boundaries.

Beaumont hit 22 fours and a six during her 145-ball innings.

In reply, South African openers Laura Wolvaaardt (67) and Lizelle Lee (72) put on a great show, scoring at more than six runs an over to set the perfect platform for the chase. Things changed soon after the 128-run stand was broken.

Needing to pull off the highest successful chase ever, South Africa did became the first side to notch up 300 runs batting second but fell short by 68 runs. 

They managed to score 305 runs mainly because of the blistering 26 ball 54 from Chloe Tryon after the century opening stand.

England now stand at third position with three wins in four matches and South Africa are one step below them at no. 4 with two wins.