SECOND BEST IN ASH'S BATTLE

Gardner hits bullseye as 180 stand frustrates Nat

- BY JIM VAN WIJK

ENGLAND captain Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted her side had come up short after Ash Gardner's century and Annabel Sutherland's 98 saw Australia to a dominant six-wicket win in Indore.

Both sides official match since Australia's 16-0 Ashes triumph in January were already sure of a place in the World Cup semi-finals.

meeting in a first England, who had edged out co-hosts India on Sunday, batted first and recovered from a mid-innings slump as opener Tammy Beaumont made a determined 78 before Alice Capsey (38) and Charlie Dean (26) added late runs.