Cricket: White Ferns beaten in semifinal

Suzie Bates of the White Ferns. Photo / Getty Images

The White Ferns were eliminated from the women's World Twenty20 cricket tournament after a seven-wicket defeat by England in Sri Lanka overnight.

After failing to take early wickets, New Zealand saw their small total of 93-8 overhauled with 16 balls to spare at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Most of the New Zealand top order failed to fire.

Captain Suzie Bates was run out for a duck in the first over and number three Sophie Devine fell soon after, picking out Katherine Brunt in the deep.

Frances Mackay and Sara McGlashan both fell cheaply to leave the White Ferns in trouble at 42-4.

Opener Amy Satterthwaite had anchored the innings with a responsible 30 from 39 deliveries, but with pressure building found Jenny Gunn just inside the long-on boundary as she attempted to clear the rope.

Sian Ruck provided the biggest impact for the White Ferns during the England innings, claiming 2-22 from her four overs.