Cricket: White Ferns swept aside

A virtual sudden death World Cup semifinal looms for the New Zealand's women team on Tuesday after they suffered their first defeat of the tournament, by 31 runs to England in Sydney yesterday.

While it was a gloomy end for the White Ferns, all out for 170 at Bankstown Oval, India did them a big favour across town by inflicting Australia's second defeat of the tournament, by 16 runs.

It means victory in the Super Six match against India and against Pakistan two days later will book a likely final rematch with England next Sunday, thanks to New Zealand's crucial opening round win over Australia.

"It's not all doom and gloom and we can stay in this tournament. We'd love our opportunity to get back and play England in the final," White Ferns coach Gary Stead said.

New Zealand were single-handedly destroyed yesterday by England captain Charlotte Edwards, who won the toss, scored a patient 57 in her side's total of 201 for five, then tore through the middle order with four for 37 with her offspin.

Her opposite number Haidee Tiffen, who scored 53 off 111 balls, was the only significant contributor for New Zealand on a slow, low surface.

"Edwards held their innings together really well, and we missed a few tricks in trying to slow her down," Stead said.

"Our fielding wasn't up to the standards we've set in the last few games, we leaked 15 to 20 runs that hopefully we can claw back in the future, and I don't know if we were quite brave enough with the bat at times."

Needing to score at four-per-over in their run chase, Tiffen watched batting partners come and go at regular intervals as the innings never got into gear.

All the top order perished to loose shots. Amy Satterthwaite, who averaged 49.33 in group play, hit a simple catch to cover on two then Sara McGlashan, fresh from 88 not out against South Africa, faced 12 scoreless deliveries before a wild swing.

The White Ferns were anchored in the middle stages by the Laura Marsh/Holly Colvin spin duo. Marsh followed on from her five for 15 against Pakistan with two for 21 off 10.

Colvin had Aimee Mason caught on the mid-wicket boundary for 23, and when pinch hitter Sophie Devine departed for a five-ball duck, it was 109 for six in the 39th. An unbeaten 23 off 21 from Sarah Tsukigawa was too late.

New Zealand had England battling at 96 for four in the 32nd over - including a brilliant direct hit run out by Tiffen - but let the brakes off in the dying overs.

Edwards anchored the innings with 57 off 79 balls as England stepped up the pace, taking 78 off the last 10 overs.

Devine was the most successful New Zealand bowler, taking two for 45 off eight, while spinners Mason and Lucy Doolan weren't as effective. Tiffen used eight bowlers but strangely didn't call on Kate Pulford (0-11 off six) or Nicola Browne (1-11 off seven) in the death overs after sharp opening spells.

Wicketkeeper Rachel Priest booked a visit to the dentist after taking an inside edge to the face, forcing her off the field with blood pouring from her mouth but no broken teeth. She bravely returned later to take the gloves.

- NZPA