Australia unearthed a new teenage star and maintained two streaks over England with a thrilling two-run win in an enthralling World Cup cricket Super Sixes match in Mumbai, India on Friday.
A 31-run last-wicket stand between Holly Colvin (16 off 17) and Anya Shrubsole (13 not out off 20) threatened to earn England their first World Cup win over the Southern Stars since 1993 and their first one-day win over Australia in a neutral country in 15 attempts.
With 15 balls left, Australian wicketkeeper and captain Jodie Fields claimed a thin edge from Colvin off spinner Erin Osborne (1-15 off 5.3 overs) to dismiss England for 145.
The win ensures Australia remain top of the Super Six standings with two rounds to go.
Pace bowler Holly Ferling, 17, (3-35 off 10 overs) playing just her second ODI, made a big contribution after she replaced spearhead Ellyse Perry, who pulled out before the game with an upset stomach.
Ferling, Julie Hunter (2-15) and Megan Schutt (2-37) dragged Australia back into a game in which both sides suffered a major batting collapse.
Sent in, Australia were 5-32 in the 13th over but fought back to score 147.
The only substantial stand was a sixth-wicket partnership of 82 in just under 19 overs between Lisa Sthalekar (41 off 59 balls) and Sarah Coyte (44 off 81).
In reply, England crashed to 6-39 in the 11th over.
Lydia Greenway (49 off 113) and Laura Marsh (22 off 75) ground out 57 in just under 26 overs, before the latter fell lbw to Coyte (1-20 off 8).
Player of the match Sthalekar (1-19 off 10) caught Greenway at short extra cover and then dismissed Katherine Brunt (2) to leave Greenway England at 9-114.
Australia appeared to get the benefit of two contentious lbw decisions against Marsh and captain Charlotte Edwards (8), who fell to Schutt.
Schutt then dismissed England’s other big batting gun Sarah Taylor for a golden duck.
England lost 4-2, with Hunter and Ferling sharing those spoils.
Ferling struck with her first ball dismissing Danielle Wyatt (16 off 24) and bowling Jenny Gunn for a duck.
Hunter chipped in by removing Arran Brindle (1) and Heather Knight for a duck.