White Ferns fall to England

The White Ferns face a must-win in their final round-robin match at the ICC Women’s World Cup in England.

Following a 75-run loss to points table leaders England yesterday, New Zealand must beat India in their last match on Saturday to advance to the semifinals. A washout or tie would see them miss out.

The result, coupled with other results, confirmed England, Australia and South Africa’s places in next week’s semifinals.

Also yesterday, Australia defeated India by eight wickets, chasing 227, while South Africa beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets

with more than 25 overs to spare, chasing 102.

White Ferns captain Suzie Bates said while it was disappointing to lose, they still held their fate in their own hands.

‘‘I think this whole tournament we’ve seen every game as a mustwin and we’ve played like that.

‘‘We had a rained off game, losses to Australia and England, but we’ve played some really good cricket and in the style we wanted to play, and at least our destiny is in our own hands. If we beat India on Saturday we get to stay here.’’

New Zealand’s chase at the County Ground in Derby was always behind the eight-ball.

The biggest partnership was 75 runs for the second wicket between Bates and Amy Satterthwaite, but the White Ferns lost wickets at regular intervals.

Bates top-scored with 44 runs from 68 balls, including six fours, while Katie Perkins provided 43 runs in the middle order from 53 balls and Satterthwaite 35 from 50 balls. Alex Hartley took 3-44 from 9.4 overs for England, while Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole each took two wickets.