England keep semi-final hopes alive with 1-wicket win over NZ

Anya Shrubsole and Charlie Dean celebrate England’s win yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Defending champions England huffed and puffed to a one-wicket win over hosts New Zealand in a league stage match to keep their semi-final hopes alive at the ICC Women's World Cup, here on Sunday.

England pacer Kate Cross (3-35) and star spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3-41) shared six wickets between them, while spinner Charlie Dean (2-36), who took the pace off the ball in a solid performance, accounted for two batters as England bowled out the hosts 203.

All-rounder Natalie Sciver (61) then anchored the innings with a patient half-century, but the holders slipped from a comfortable 176-5 to 196-9 in five overs to almost snatch defeat from a winning position. Anya Shrubsole (7) and Charlie Dean (0) though held their nerves to take England past the finish line for their second win of the tournament.

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