ENGLAND fell just short of a record chase in a nerve-shredding defeat by Australia in their opening match of the Women’s World Cup in Hamilton.

Set 311, the defending champions were taken agonisingly close by a magnificent 109 not out from Nat Sciver.
Needing 16 from the final over, bowled by Jess Jonassen, England could only manage three to end on 298-8 and lose by 12 runs.

On a day when Australia paid tribute to legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and wicket-keeping great Rod Marsh, the tournament favourites posted 310-3 – the highest total by any team against England.
Rachael Haynes compiled a superb 130 and captain Meg Lanning weighed in with 86.

England needed 78 from 49 balls with only four wickets in hand when Sciver was joined at the crease by Katherine Brunt.

Their hitting gave England an outside chance going into the final over, but Australia bravely gave the ball to left-arm spinner Jonassen, who took a stunning one-handed return catch to dismiss Brunt and effectively end the contest.

Though England suffer yet another defeat by the Australians, who went unbeaten in winning the Ashes earlier this year, Heather Knight’s side can take heart from how far they pushed the tournament favourites.

England’s stiffest test in the group stage is now behind them, and they should still make progress towards the semi-finals, starting against West Indies in Dunedin on Wednesday (22:00 GMT on Tuesday).

In yesterday’s other game, South Africa avoided an upset against World Cup debutants Bangladesh.
The Proteas were bowled out for 207 but dismissed Bangladesh for 175 to win by 32 runs.