Web Report

LONDON – England beat India by nine runs and win the Women’s World Cup at an ecstatic Lord’s.
Chasing 229, India looked set for victory at 191-3, but Anya Shrubsole pinned Raut lbw for 86 to spark a collapse of seven wickets for 28 runs.
The seamer finished with 6-46 – the best figures in a World Cup final – as India were bowled out for 219 with eight balls unused.
Natalie Sciver made 51 and Sarah Taylor 45 in England’s 228-7, enough for a fourth World Cup crown.
It ended a wait for a global trophy that went back to 2009 and vindicated the approach of coach Mark Robinson, who dispensed with former captain Charlotte Edwards after defeat in the final of the 2016 World Twenty20.
India, unfancied at the start of the tournament, seemed to be in control for much of a match that was played on a slow, low surface.
But the brilliant Shrubsole and the tenacity of the hosts denied them a first major trophy.
After defeat T20 final in India last year, Robinson criticised his team’s fitness and set about making changes.
Edwards was replaced as captain and retired, with new skipper Heather Knight leading a team of players that established themselves in the international arena.
Batters Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfeld and Fran Wilson have all been integrated into the top order, Alex Hartley’s left-arm spin has become integral to the attack and Sarah Taylor has returned from an anxiety-related issue.