India lose to Australia

Australia are the only unbeaten team after four matches in the women's World Cup cricket tournament in Christchurch, after outbatting previously unbeaten India by 51 runs on Wednesday.

The defeat was India's first after three consecutive victories.

Chasing 224 to win, the Indians lost their way after the 30th over, at which stage they were on par with the Aussies at the same point of their innings.

The star of the Indian innings was Anjum Chopra, who scored 47 runs at the top of the order. Along with captain Anju Jain she guided India into a strong position against the favourites.

The fall of the captain, brought in Purnima Rau, who continued the good work and scored 25 runs in the process. It was the fall of her wicket along with that of Anjum Chopra that triggered of the collaspe.

This phase after the 34th over saw India make just 67 runs in the last 20 overs after being 105/1 in the 30th.

Earlier, the Aussies scored 223 due to some sloppy fielding by the Indians who dropped three catches in the last three overs.

The top scorers of the Australian innings were Keightley who scored 74 off 116 deliveries and Roulton, who hit a quickfire 61 off only 72 balls.

In another match, New Zealand thrashed The Netherlands by eight wickets with 33.3 overs to spare.

Brief scores:

Australia 223-5 (50 overs, Lisa Keightley 74, Karen Rolton 61, Purnima Rau 2-35) bt India 172/8 (50 overs, Anjum Chopra 47, Anju Jain 36, Therese McGregor 3-38).

The Netherlands 80 (48 overs, Caroline Salamons 26, Helen Watson 3-28) lost to New Zealand 81-2 (16.3 overs, Paula Flannery 36 not out)

Mail Cricket Editor