West Indies upset reigning champs in World Cup thriller

The West Indies have pulled off a dramatic upset win at the Women's Cricket World Cup by beating defending champions England by seven runs at Dunedin.

England's last two batters were dismissed in the 48th over just as it looked like they would reach their victory target of 226, but the Windies celebrated again after stunning hosts New Zealand in last week's tournament-opener.

It was a first victory for the West Indies against England at a World Cup and put them second behind favourites Australia in the standings for the round-robin stage, from which the top four teams will progress to the semi-finals.

After they had lost three top-order batters in one Sophie Ecclestone (3-20) over, West Indies had Shemaine Campbelle (66) and Chedean Nation (45 not out) to thank for a fourth-wicket stand of 123 which helped them to a total of 6-225.

They then used eight bowlers to keep England at bay after a screamer of a one-handed catch from Deandra Dottin off the bowling of Shamilia Connell (3-38) removed Lauren Winfield-Hill for 12 to give them their first breakthrough.

But England tailenders, rallied by Ecclestone's 33 not out, still looked like they would get the job done.

New Zealand had thought the same heading into the final over needing six runs last Friday only for Dottin to dismiss their last three batters.

This time it was spinner Anisa Mohammed who made the key intervention in the 48th over, running out Kate Cross for 27 and three balls later bowling Anya Shrubsole for a duck to leave England 218 all out.

"It is not something I like," West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor said of the dramatic finishes.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking for me but I'm really happy that we turned out on the right side." 

England, who lost their opening game to Australia by 12 runs, will have little respite over the next 11 days with the second-ranked South Africans, fourth-ranked India and hosts New Zealand their next three opponents.

Skipper Heather Knight said she was not overly concerned.

"We've lost two close games ... not too much concern, obviously a bit of frustration," she said.

"We've got to be better and come back really up for that game against South Africa in Mount Maunganui."

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: def England by 12 runs

Mar 8: def Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: v New Zealand, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 15: v West Indies, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 19: v India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT

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