It was a case of 'so near and yet so far' for India as they suffered a spectacular middle and lower order batting collapse to lose by nine runs to England in a nail-biting final of the ICC Women's World Cup in London on Sunday.

This was the fourth World Cup title for the English girls. They had earlier emerged champions in 1973, 1993 and 2009.

They are second most successful nation in this tournament after Australia who have seven titles to their name.

It was deja vu for India as this is the second time they have fallen at the final hurdle. They had lost by 98 runs to Australia in the final of the 2005 edition.

Electing to bat first, England produced a competitive total of 228 for seven in their 50 overs.

The Indian eves rode on half-centuries from opener Punam Raut and Harmanpreet Kaur to almost overhaul the target.

Source: Khaleej Times