England clinched their third World Cup title after beating New Zealand by four wickets in a low scoring final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 at the North Oval, Sydney on Sunday. England's all-rounder Nicky Shaw dominated the final match with superb bowling (4 wickets for 34 runs) and batting (17 runs from 27 balls) performance and adjudged as the man of the match. Her team-mate Claire Taylor was declared player of the tournament for her total 324 runs in the tournament.

 

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. However, England's bowlers climbed up and bundled out New Zealand for 166 in 47.2 overs. For New Zealand top-scorer was Lucy Doolan (48 off 57 balls). Doolan and Nicola Browne put on 63 runs for the eighth wicket to save New Zealand’s blushes. England's bowler Shaw made her ODI career best by scalping 4 wickets for 34.

 

England, in its target chase, was provided with a solid start by openers Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins, who put on 74 runs for the first wicket stand.  New Zealand staged a late fight back through Lucy Doolan (3-23) and Aimee Mason (2-28) and slipped down England to 149-6. Shaw took control of the situation and hit a priceless 17 not out from 23 balls. England achieved the victory target with 23 balls and four wickets to spare. It is England’s third World Cup triumph but its first outside England following its victories in 1973 and 1993.