Cricket-Holders England stay alive with victory over New Zealand

(Reuters) - Defending champions England overcame a late wobble in the rain to defeat New Zealand by a wicket at Eden Park on Sunday, keeping their Women's World Cup hopes alive while pushing the hosts to the brink of elimination.

Anya Shrubsole clipped Brooke Halliday wide of short mid-wicket in the final over to take England to 204 runs and past the total set for them by the White Ferns in the first innings.

The win means England move to four points from five matches and into fifth place in the group standings.

New Zealand also have four points but, having played one match more, are now in sixth and on the verge of exiting the competition.

England had won only one of their opening four matches as losses against Australia, West Indies and South Africa had left them in danger of missing out on the semi-finals.

New Zealand set a target of 204 to win after Maddy Green top scored for the White Ferns with an unbeaten 52 that came off 75 balls.

Captain Sophie Devine contributed an additional 41 runs despite a back injury as New Zealand finished all out for 203.

England made steady progress towards their target but were given a fright when they lost four wickets for nine runs with victory in sight as the rain started to come down.

Top scorer Nat Scriver was bowled by Jess Kerr for 61 runs with England still 17 runs short and, in the next over, Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross fell in quick succession to Frances Mackay.

Katherine Brunt was then run out with England still eight runs adrift, but Shrubsole held her nerve to see the defending champions across the line.

Australia lead the group standings with five wins out of five so far and have already booked their place in the next round, while South Africa are in second and the