Dunedin: Defending champions England suffered their second loss in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, as the West Indies extended their impressive start to the tournament. For the first time in the history of this tournament, West Indies has defeated England by seven runs in a thriller at Dunedin’s University Oval.
Though England made a brave effort to chase down the West Indies’ 226-run total, but fell just short, putting their title defence on the line. England, who lost their opening match to Australia, has been facing an uphill battle to finish in the top four of the eight-team tournament and retain their 2017 championship.
Upon winning the toss and electing to bat, the West Indies raced to 81 runs without losing a wicket before losing three wickets in a single over.
After spinner Sophie Ecclestone dismissed Hayley Matthews for 45, Deandra Dottin was run out, and Ecclestone struck again with the following ball, the mini-collapse began.
Through the middle of the innings, Ecclestone kept the West Indies’ hitters quiet before Shemaine Campbelle and Chedean Nation launched a late push.
The West Indies put up a competitive total thanks to their 123-run partnership, but England would have won had they not missed a plethora of chances as the catching troubles that plagued the last series against Australia reappeared.
WEST INDIES WIN BY 7 RUNS! 👏
What a nail-biting finish. Incredible! 🔥#CWC22 pic.twitter.com/izEGqaZSaI
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2022
West Indies allrounder Dottin, on the other hand, had no catching troubles, dismissing England opener Lauren Winfield-Hill for 12 with a superb diving attempt.
Nat Scriver, who made a century in England’s first-match loss to Australia, was dismissed for two, leaving Tammy Beaumont with 46 from 76 balls to try to rebuild the innings.
England were on 94 for five when she left, but Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt picked up the pace and scored 38 and 33 points, respectively, to keep their hopes alive.
At 156 for eight, tailenders Ecclestone and Kate Cross were left to chase down the remaining 70 runs.
They came close, scoring 33 not out and 27 respectively, but England’s campaign was terminated by Cross’ expulsion.
