Cricket: Dream over for White Ferns

New Zealand stumbled in their quest to defend the women's World Cup after losing by 40 runs to a rampant Indian side in South Africa yesterday.

The White Ferns were well beaten in their semifinal at Potchefstroom, after India posted 204 for six.

In their run chase New Zealand never recovered from losing openers Amiee Mason and Rebecca Rolls with just 13 on the board.

Despite a battling unbeaten 73 from Maria Fahey, they were unable to rebuild the innings as wickets fell consistently.

New Zealand eventually folded in the 44th over, putting India into tomorrow's final against Australia.

After sending India in to bat, the White Ferns struck early, leaving India at 38 for two.

But Anjum Chopra (44) and Mithali Raj steadied the ship, adding 66 for the third wicket.

Raj played a superb captain's knock, finishing on 91 not out from 134 balls. Rachel Pullar was the best New Zealand bowler, taking four for 39 from 10 overs.

But the White Ferns' overall fielding effort let them down, with several dropped catches and woeful outfielding which leaked numerous runs.

The White Ferns finished the tournament with four wins from seven matches.

White Ferns' captain Maia Lewis told National Radio that a wicket collapse prevented them from overhauling India's modest target.

"We didn't take our chances [in the field] and with our batting we lost too many wickets,;" Lewis said.

"Sara McGlashan (23) and Maria Fahey put on a good fifth-wicket partnership of 61 and looked to have us back in the game.

"But losing wickets regularly made it pretty hard."

The Australians beat England by five wickets in the other semifinal.

- NZPA