England beat New Zealand by four wickets and picked up their first Women's World Cup cricket title in 16 years yesterday at North Sydney Oval.

Fast bowler Nicky Shaw responded magnificently to a last-minute call-up and spurred England to a four-wicket victory, restricting the Kiwis to 166 all out in 47.2 overs before England replied with 167 for six off 46.1 overs.

Shaw, included in the side only moments before the start of the match after Jenny Gunn was ruled out because of a calf injury, produced her career-best performance of four for 34. Laura Marsh (2-34) gave Shaw good support in England's bowling attack.

Lucy Doolan, batting at No.9, top-scored for New Zealand with 48 off 57 balls with eight boundaries, while captain Haidee Tiffen (30) and Nicola Browne (25) also got useful scores.

When England replied, Carolina Atkins (40) and Sarah Taylor (39) gave the new champions a 74-run opening stand that set the platform for the result.

The innings declined sharply after their departure but Claire Taylor (21) and Player-of-the-Match Shaw (17 not out) saw the English through, with 23 balls to spare, to their first Women's World Cup title since 1993.

Doolan picked up three for 23 for New Zealand.

Player of the tournament

England's No.3 batter Claire Taylor was declared Player of the Tournament for her 324 runs in the tournament.

"This is amazing. We have worked so hard to achieve what we did here today and I am so proud of all the girls," Taylor said in the post-match ceremony.

A disappointed Tiffen, the New Zealand captain, said England were worthy winners.

"I can't take anything away from England, they played outstandingly and thoroughly deserve their number-one ranking," she said.