Lagatar24 Desk
Christchurch, April 3: Australia defeated England by 71 runs to earn a record-extending seventh Women’s ODI World Cup title, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.
After England Women got off to the worst possible start, Natalie Sciver fought alone and scored a fighting hundred. Megan Schutt’s bowling claimed Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont for 4 and 27 runs, respectively, early in England’s 357-run chase. Heather Knight was out for 26 runs to Alana King, and Amy Jones was out for 20 runs to Alana King. Alana retaliated by dismissing Sophia Dunkley for 23 runs. As England faded at one end, Katherine Brunt likewise fled for one.
Alyssa Healy batted first and scored 170 runs as Australia totaled 356/5 in 50 overs against England. After England captain Heather Knight asked Australia to bat, Rachael Haynes and Healy put on a 160-run partnership for the first wicket. Following Haynes’ 68-run departure, Beth Mooney joined the run-fest and completed her half-century before being dismissed for 62 runs. The only bright spot in the innings was Anya Shrubsole, who finished with figures of 3/46 in 10 overs.
England Women (Playing XI): Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight(c), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones(w), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Charlotte Dean, Anya Shrubsole
Australia Women (Playing XI): Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy(w), Meg Lanning(c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown