England's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the CricInfo World Cup were dashed when they were overpowered by New Zealand in a 93-run defeat at Lincoln.

New Zealand's CLEAR White Ferns pounded 238/8 in their 50 overs and at one stage looked like reaching 270-280. But England winkled out Debbie Hockley for 22 in the 32nd over, and then captain Emily Drumm for 53 in the next over to put brakes on the innings.

Ten overs from the end, the run rate had slowed and New Zealand went 90 balls without hitting a boundary. But the plethora of all-rounders in the side allowed a 10-over assault at the end and they scored 66 runs.

It was another interesting batting exercise for the home team who have had a number of batting scenarios thrown at them during the tournament.

This one could yet prove valuable in the white-hot semi-finals knock-out atmosphere.

When playmaker Haidee Tiffen came to the wicket in the 32nd over, it was earlier than New Zealand likes. Then, when Drumm went in the next over, a change came over the demands on Tiffen.

Instead of being a free spirit with an open licence to attack, she was forced into a more defensive role to ensure that New Zealand was still batting at the 50-overs mark.

As a result only 23 runs were scored between the 33rd and 43rd overs.

But all England picked up was one and the way was clear for the last overs batting assault that followed.

England's bowlers and fielders were able to emerge with credit from the game, but the batting effort never showed any substance and the concerns over the side's batting before the tournament were borne out in every match.

To have only Claire Taylor managing a degree of consistency meant England lacked competitiveness and for the world game that must be a huge concern.

What was also encouraging for New Zealand was the continued development of Rebecca Rolls in her attacking bent at the head of the innings. She had her best innings of the tournament while scoring 65 from 58 balls.

Named the CricInfo Player of the Match she said she had always felt confident about assuming the attacking role.

"You have to be mentally tough, and disciplined. I enjoy it more, especially not having to wait around to bat," she said.

Today's effort continued the trend of the three ODIs the two teams played before the tournament.

"They've had a different strategy each time we've played," she said of Lucy Pearson and Clare Taylor, England's opening bowlers.

There was more movement of the ball in the air today and that had demanded more concentration of her.

She said when getting on a roll with her scoring, there was a problem remembering to not get carried away.

"You start to think you're 10 feet tall and bullet proof," she said.

However, both Anna O'Leary and Emily Drumm had shown the ability to make the right sorts of comments to her to focus on the job.

Coach Mike Shrimpton was pleased with the way Rolls batted to get the side into an extremely strong position. However, he believed she missed out on a big century.

"She had done all the hard work. With more experience there was a big hundred there, if you want to be hyper-critical about her innings," he said.

England finished the tournament fifth, and that was a fair reflection of their performances. They couldn't beat South Africa and India, two teams who got their chances to win and wasted no time in wrapping their games up quickly to complete victories.

© CricInfo