England hold on despite late collapse in another Cup thriller

England kept their semi-final hopes alive at the Women's World Cup Sunday as Nat Sciver set up a dramatic one-wicket victory over hosts New Zealand in Auckland.

Chasing New Zealand's below-par 203, Sciver's 61 had England cruising to victory at 5-187 before they lost four wickets for nine runs.

The last pair Charlie Dean and Anya Shrubsole took a nervous two overs to pick off the remaining eight runs and seal the win with 16 balls remaining.

"It's crazy, we just got over the line. We probably shouldn't have," a delighted Sciver said after being named player of the match.

It made the tournament a lot brighter for defending champions England, who have bounced back from early losses to Australia, West Indies and South Africa.

"I'm just relieved to get over the line," England captain Heather Knight said.

"The main thing today was getting the win and luckily we did.

"There's a bit of relief there and I think we'll take being on the right side of this win and obviously reflect on what we could have done better."

Unbeaten Australia have already qualified for the final four while England, South Africa, West Indies and India are all in contention for the remaining three slots.

Aiding England's cause is that their remaining matches are against the two bottom-of-the-table sides, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

New Zealand still have a remote chance of advancing to the semi-finals but need several unlikely results to go their way.

After New Zealand failed to bat out their 50 overs, England took a relatively risk-free approach to their run chase.

There was a slight wobble after they reached 2-98 when Knight, for 42, and Amy Jones, for one, fell in quick succession.

But Sciver restored order with her well-compiled 61, which included a 70-run stand with Sophia Dunkley, who made 33, as they moved to within 17 of their target with 40 balls remaining.

But when she was bowled with the score at 187 it started a nerve-racking period for England until Shrubsole clipped a four and a single off Brooke Halliday to get England home.

New Zealand's hopes of victory hit a speed bump when Sophie Devine retired with a back injury and they lost four wickets for 11 runs in the space of 17 deliveries to go from 4-150 to 8-161.

Devine returned but only added four more before being dismissed for 41 while Maddy Green ensured New Zealand passed the 200 mark and was unbeaten on 52 when the innings ended in the 49th over.

Kate Cross accounted for New Zealand's recognised batters with 3-35 while Sophie Ecclestone mopped up the lower order with 3-41.

Frankie Mackay was New Zealand's most successful bowler with 4-34.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs

Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: Beat New Zealand by 141 runs

Mar 15: Beat West Indies by seven wickets

Mar 19: Beat India by six wickets

Mar 22: v South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 25: v Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 31: Hagley Park Christchurch, 12pm AEDT

Final

Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEDT

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports