India stun Australia in women World Cup

Sydney, Mar 14: The Indian women's cricket team beat Australia by 16 runs in a Super Six game with the help of a fine knock of 76 by Anjum Chopra, seriously denting the Australian defence of the World Cup at North Sydney Oval.

Australia is left with two points with a couple of Super Six matches to go, and they must win both and hope that two of England (6) New Zealand (4) and India (4) falter. There are no semi-finals and Australia will be out of the competition if eight points are needed to reach next Sunday's decider.

Chopra set up India's big total by playing the anchor role around Anagha Deshpande and Mithali Raj, whose class stood out in a delightful 44 off 50.

However, the real acceleration came through Amita Sharma at the end as Australia's target went from comfortable to out of reach.

Indian bowlers jolted the Australian batting line up when they claimed wickets of their three big names by the 15th over.

Australia managed to reach 218 for seven in their allotted 50 overs, chasing India's 235.

Openers S Nitschke and Alex Blackwell started the run-chase well, but India managed to get the first breakthrough in the form of Nitschke.

Thereafter, India suddenly gained an upper hand as KL Rolton and LC Sthalekar got out in consecutive overs to leave Aussies trailing at 53 for three in the 15th over.

But Jodie Fields and Alex Blackwell steadied the boat. Blackwell also completed her half-century as she led the run chase in the able company of Fields.

Fields, however, lost her wicket for a well-made 43. But thereafter the Aussie batswoman just failed to accelerate the innings, while they also kept losing wickets.

ANI