The Southern Stars lost for the first time at the 2013 ICC Women's World Cup on Wednesday, going down to the West Indies, but their previous good form at the tournament ensures they still qualify for Sunday's final.
Chasing 165 for victory, the Southern Stars were bowled out for 156 and will now need to lick their wounds and recover before facing the West Indies again in the decider.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the West Indies made a poor start to their innings as Megan Schutt (3-50) and Holly Ferling (3-27) picked up a pair of wickets apiece to put the Southern Stars in the box seat.
Some intelligent batting from Deandra Dottin (60) and Shaquana Quintyne (15) gave the West Indies momentum during the middle overs, but Erin Osborne (2-16) took the last two wickets in quick succession to leave the Southern Stars needing 165 for victory.
In reply, Meg Lanning was dismissed for a duck in the second over and when Rachael Haynes (21) followed soon after to make it 2-32, the Southern Stars were in trouble.
Jess Cameron (39) and Alex Blackwell (45) combined to take the score to 79, but a pair of run outs and two wickets to Stafanie Taylor (2-26) swung the ascendancy back to the West Indies.
It didn't look good for the Southern Stars at 8-140 and still requiring a further 25, but Osborne smashed a trio of boundaries to take them within reach of the victory target with just three overs remaining in the contest.
Shanel Daley (3-22) then dismissed Osborne for 19 with the second ball of the 49th over to clinch the match for the West Indies and ensure the Caribbean nation qualified for the final.
First Posted 13 February, 2013 9:49PM AEST
