New Zealand Alive on Maths Only

New Zealand still have a slim chance of making the semi finals after their victory over Scotland at Bristol. They will need other results to go their way, starting with a victory over England in their final match and for Ireland to beat the West Indies. The book makers now have them at 251.00 to win the trophy.

In hot Bristol conditions, Amelia Kerr won the toss for New Zealand and sent Scotland in to bat. This game crucial for both teams and their chances of making the semi finals. A loss here meant the campaign was over for one of them. A win kept the door only slightly open, such are the machinations of points and net run rates across Pool B.

Scotland got off to a bright start despite the early loss of Katherine Fraser, and not long after, Kathryn Bryce, but the story of this innings was the young opener, Darcey Carter, still there at the end with 71 not out, scoring more than half the team total and catapulting her to the position of leading run scorer for the tournament. (Since overtaken)

131/7 was never going to provide too many headaches for New Zealand and on the back of Izzy Sharp (62) and Brooke Halliday (41*) cruised home to win by 6 wickets. Izzy Sharp was named Player of the Match.

Where now? Scotland are out. They cannot make the finals. Their fairytale run has come to an end. They’ve certainly entertained and provided great spirit throughout the tournament. Hopefully they can continue their bright cricket in their final match against Sr Lanka.

New Zealand stay alive for a finals berth, but on paper only. They play England in their final match but even a win against the host nation is unlikely to get them into the finals. The team they need to overtake, West Indies, play their final match against the winless Irish team. If the Windies win that match then New Zealand can beat England by 1000 runs and it will count for nothing.

Scores

Scotland 131/7 (Darcey Carter 71*, Amelia Kerr 3-17, Sophie Devine 2-19) lost to
New Zealand 132/4 (Izzy Sharp 62, Brooke Halliday 41*, Kathryn Bryce 2-13) by 6 wickets

POTM: Izzy Sharp