Women's World Cup 2017

The most hotly anticipated game of this World Cup so far lived up to its billing, as Australia ended a thrilling chase against New Zealand at Bristol with a 5-wicket win, but with just 8 balls remaining. Chasing 220, Australia were cruising at the halfway stage at 100-2, until 2 wickets in 2 balls from 16-year-old Amelia Kerr in the 34th over put the pressure firmly back on the chasing side. Ellyse Perry (71) and Alex Blackwell (36*), though, ultimately came together in a 76-run partnership to finish the job for Australia. It had all started so well for the Kiwis, as a runs-hungry Suzie Bates - playing in her 100th ODI - looked to punish the shorter deliveries from Perry and Megan Schutt early on. Her opening partner Rachel Priest struggled to get going, waiting until the 6th over to get off the mark with a single through the leg side. She duly became Amanda-Jade Wellington’s first World Cup wicket, walking off with just 8 runs (from 30 balls) to her name. But that

South Africa took a significant step towards World Cup semi-final qualification, humiliating the West Indies as they bowled them out for just 48 runs at Leicester CCC. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl on a slightly chilly morning at Grace Road, fielding an unchanged side. Meanwhile West Indies made 3 changes from the side that lost to Australia - bringing in all-rounder Kyshona Knight, and handing debuts to 16-year-old fast bowler Qiana Joseph and opening batsman Reniece Boyce. Hayley Matthews was the first wicket to fall - after swatting Ismail for 4 in her opening over, the South African quick got her revenge in her next over as the West Indian opener played around a delivery coming in to her legs and was hit on the back pad, given out LBW by ex-England umpire Sue Redfern. This brought Stafanie Taylor in at 3 who went following a similar pattern - after timing Ismail for 4 through midwicket, she was then then clean bowled the very next ball, putting the West Indies i