West Indies stun England by 7 runs in ICC Women’s World Cup
Defending champions England slumped to a second loss at the Women’s Cricket World Cup on Wednesday as underdogs the West Indies proceeded with their shining start to the tournament. The West Indies, who stunned hosts New Zealand in the tournament opener, beats England by seven runs in a thriller at Dunedin’s University Oval. England’s tail-enders made a great effort to reel in the West Indies’ 226-run target but fell just short, leaving their title defence on the edge. “They batted outstandingly at us on a good wicket and played some brilliant shots,” England captain Heather Knight said.
“We felt like we were in a good position but I guess the last 10 overs cost us.”
Four-time champions England, who lost to Australia in their opening match, face a difficult task to make the top four of the eight-team tournament and defend their 2017 title.
The West Indies made an energetic beginning in the wake of winning the toss and opting to bat racing to 81 without loss prior to throwing away three wickets in a single over.
Ecclestone subdued the West Indies’ batters through the middle of the innings before Shemaine Campbelle and Chedean Nation staged a late charge.
Their 123-run partnership gave the West Indies a competitive total however England would have been dominant had they not dropped a slew of chances as the catching woes that marred the recent series against Australia returned.
There were no catching problems for West Indies allrounder Dottin, who dismissed England opener Lauren Winfield-Hill for 12 with a spectacular diving effort.
At 156 for eight, it then fell to tailenders Ecclestone and Kate Cross to chase the final 70 runs.
They came close, scoring 33 not out and 27 respectively, however, Cross’s dismissal ended hopes of a wonder finish.
