A place in the women’s cricket World Cup final has slipped through New Zealand’s grasp in India.

A 15-run loss to defending champions England in their final Super Six match at Mumbai on Wednesday came after their qualifying chances had already disappeared.

Previously unbeaten Australia lost by eight runs to the West Indies in an earlier game, meaning those two teams will meet again in the final.

It rendered New Zealand’s day/night fixture inconsequential, although it proved to be an exciting affair as the White Ferns tried to chase down England’s 6-266, eventually reaching 9-251 off 50 overs.

The target looked within reach as century maker Amy Satterthwaite and captain Suzie Bates put on a 134-run second-wicket stand at a good clip.

Bates fell for 79 off 94 balls but it wasn’t until Satterthwaite’s innings of 103 off 126 balls ended that New Zealand faltered.

They still needed 37 runs off 37 balls at that stage but the middle and lower order, which has struggled through the tournament, were run through as the last seven wickets fell for 21 runs.

Earlier, Sarah Taylor top-scored for England with 88 while spinners Lucy Doolan and Morna Nielsen both took two wickets each for New Zealand on a good batting surface.

New Zealand and England will play off for third and fourth place in Mumbai on Friday.