Haynes, Lanning Power Australia Past England

Hamilton: Opener Rachael Haynes smashed a scintillating 130 as Australia rode on a brilliant batting performance to eke out a 12-run win over defending champions England in a high-scoring ICC Women's World Cup match, in Hamilton, on Saturday.

A minute's silence was observed before the start of the play in memory of Australian legends Shane Warne and Rodney Marsh, who died on Friday within hours of each other.

Put in to bat, Australia posted a daunting 310 for 3, courtesy a 196-run stand between Haynes and skipper Meg Lanning (86). It was the highest total England had conceded in World Cups.

Haynes blazed away to almost a run-a-ball 130 off 131 balls, hitting the ball 14 times to the fence and once over it, with Lanning complementing her perfectly.

Nat Sciver, who remained unbeaten on 109, and star opener Tammy Beaumont (74) tried to rally England to victory but the defending champions fell short in an exciting match.

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