Cricket: White Ferns' Cup hopes in limbo after loss

New Zealand's hopes of reaching the women's cricket World Cup final in India have nosedived following a 48-run loss to the West Indies.

The White Ferns' first-ever loss to their Caribbean opponents leaves them needing two outcomes to go their way in the final round of Super Six matches on Wednesday if they are to meet Australia in Sunday's final at Mumbai.

They must beat defending champions England and will need Australia to continue their unbeaten run at the tournament against the second-placed West Indies.

In that scenario, New Zealand and the West Indies would finish second-equal, with a place in the final decided on net run rate.

New Zealand may be at an advantage as their day/night match against England begins well after the Australia-West Indies game, allowing New Zealand time to adjust their tactics.

New Zealand's batting let them down at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on Monday after reducing the West Indies to 9-207.

They were dismissed for 159 in the 45th over, with a late 36 from wicketkeeper Rachel Priest and 30 from opener Suzie Bates the only innings of note.

New Zealand captain Bates, the highest runscorer at the tournament with 307 at an average of 76.75, was disappointed her side's batting faltered at the worst possible time.

"There's going to be a lot of hurt, we didn't play well enough," she said.

"We needed at least one big partnership."

Bates said the bowling could have also been better in conditions which suited them after winning the toss.

"We thought there would be enough in the wicket early but gave away too many boundaries at one stage."

West Indies opener Stafanie Taylor profited with 49 while an unbeaten 31 from No.10 Anisa Mohammed proved crucial after her team had stuttered to 8-159.

Morna Nielsen took 3-27 with her left-arm spin while Bates and Sian Ruck both claimed two scalps. Impressive left-arm seamer Ruck has taken 10 wickets at the tournament at 12.6.

New Zealand's run chase wasn't helped by some questionable umpiring decisions.

Opener Frances Mackay and key batsmen Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne all appeared unlucky to be given out lbw against balls swinging considerably - most notably from seamer Tremayne Smartt, who took three wickets.

It meant nobody could offer support to Bates, whose dismissal was New Zealand's sixth with the score at 83.