New Zealand qualify in style for women's final

New Zealand women's attack may be young but they dealt to England with a high degree of efficiency to qualify for the final of the tri-series by seven wickets at Durham today.

England decided to bat first, but from the moment TelstraClear White Fern Nicola Browne bowled Clare Connor for four the home team were in trouble.

Claire Taylor and Charlotte Edwards, two of England's key batsmen, were both dismissed by Rachel Pullar by the time 25 runs were on the board.

It wasn't until Nos 9 and 10 batsmen Isa Guha and Laura Spragg were united that any of the England players reached double figures. They took the score from 66/8 to 101 before Spragg was stumped for 21 from off-spinner Aimee Mason's bowling.

Guha finished 22 not out as England were all out in the 38th over for 111.

All six of the New Zealand bowlers used took wickets. Especially outstanding was Haidee Tiffen whose five overs conceded only eight runs while picking up two wickets. Pullar continued her fine run on tour by bowling nine overs and taking two for 21.

Anna Corbin took two for 16 from five overs and Mason two for 29 off eight. Browne and Frances King took a wicket each.

Of some concern for the New Zealanders was the concession of 16 wides.

However, after a measured start with the bat and the loss of hard-hitting Rebecca Rolls for four when the score was 11, New Zealand continued untroubled throughout its innings.

Nicola Payne and captain Emily Drumm carried the score through to 51 before Payne was dismissed for 11 when caught and bowled by Laura Harper. Kate Pulford scored 16 as the score advanced to 78 but with Drumm in complete control in scoring 63 not out off 81 balls, New Zealand got home in the 31st over with Tiffen 11 not out.

New Zealand plays India tonight and the final is on Saturday, with New Zealand's opponent still to be decided.