England women lose chance to defend their world title

Half-centuries from Edwards and Sarah Taylor helped England post an imposing 266-6 in their final Super Sixes match, and although Amy Satterthwaite smashed a century for New Zealand, they fell short of their target on 251-9.

The victory was immaterial, however, as the West Indies’ surprise win over Australia earlier in the day saw them join the Southern Stars in this weekend’s final.

Instead of defending their title, England will now face the White Ferns again in tomorrow’s third place play-off and Edwards admitted it was not the outcome she had hoped for.

“Halfway through the game we got that (Australia) result, but it was about putting in a professional performance (yesterday) and the girls certainly did that,” she said.

“I’m very proud of the way we’ve ended this match, but obviously bitterly disappointed in the grander scheme of things.

“It’s our own fault. Inconsistency at the front of the tournament has cost us and we’re probably playing or best cricket now.

“For the last two weeks it’s been a rollercoaster for this team and we’ve dealt with it brilliantly. It’s just disappointing that it’s all ended but I’m very proud of the England dressing room right now. It’s always a good contest between us and the Kiwis so we’ll come back Friday, there’s third place to play for and we’ll all be looking for that.”

Twenty20 world champions the West Indies again found comfort in the shortest format as they ended an otherwise forgettable tour of Australia with a 27-run win in Brisbane.

Johnson Charles’s 57 helped the West Indies to 191-6, Australia replying with 164-8.