AUCKLAND: England’s middle-order batter Nat Sciver shone with the bat to keep England’s world cup hopes alive as the defending champions beat the hosts New Zealand by one wicket in the 19th match of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, here on Sunday.

In the first innings, England’s bowlers did well to bowl out the hosts New Zealand for a paltry 203 in the 49th over. Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets each for England, while Charlie Dean also contributed with two wickets.

The right-handed middle-order batter Maddy Green fought hard with her unbeaten fifty, while the skipper Sophie Devine also played a gritty knock of 41. Green remained the top-scorer for the home side as she scored 52 runs off 75 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six.

The rest of the White Ferns’ batters could not contribute significantly to bolster the side to a commendable total.

Set to chase a skimpy 204, England were also off to a poor start as the defending champions lost both their openers Danni Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont for 12 and 25 respectively.

The skipper Heather Knight and Sciver then anchored the run chase with an important 45-runs partnership for the third wicket before the former made her way back after scoring a valiant 42.

Sciver, on the other hand, stood firm and kept the scoreboard ticking when the wickets were tumbling at the other end. She top-scored for the side with 61 off 108 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

The right-handed all-rounder Sophie Dunkey also chipped in as she played an important knock of 33 before France Mackay castled her in the 41st over.

England’s batting tail then held their nerves calm as they made sure to steer their side to the victory in the 48th over. Anya Shrubsole remained unbeaten on seven as she hit the winning run for the defending champions.

For New Zealand, Mackay bagged four wickets, while Jess Kerr struck out two batters. Lea Tahuhu and Brooke Halliday made one scalp each.

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