England secured their first victory over Australia at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town today ©Getty Images

England have upset 11-time champions Australia and Jamaica stunned defending champions New Zealand in the final round of preliminary stage fixtures at the Netball World Cup in South Africa.

The 56-55 result meant that England, chasing a first gold medal, finished top of Group F and are due to play the Silver Ferns in the semi-final following their unexpected 59-48 defeat to Jamaica at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

England's goal defence Fran Williams produced a crucial deflection in the final moments which prevented Australia from securing a draw in the Group F fixture.

It marks the first English victory over the Diamonds at the World Cup and just their eighth triumph in all competitions since the two teams first played in 1956.

The Roses gained an early advantage when shooters Eleanor Cardwell and Helen Housby found scored before an intercept from Funmi Fadoju gave England a 15-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Courtney Bruce was substituted for the next period and her impact was immediately felt as Australia took the momentum to go into the half-time break with a 32-26 advantage.

The English steadily chipped away at their opponent's lead when play resumed before a back-and-forth final 15 minutes saw England take the surprise victory.

"The fact we were eight goals down, to be pushed in the last 15 minutes and still come out on top - you can't underestimate what that tells me about where the group are at mentally," England head coach Jess Thirlby said.

"We know that we've got two games to come and it means nothing if we can't follow it up.

"But for today, it is important to allow the players to celebrate."

Jamaica set up a semi-final match against Australia with victory against defending champions New Zealand ©Getty Images
Jamaica set up a semi-final match against Australia with victory against defending champions New Zealand ©Getty Images

Having played yesterday against hosts South Africa, New Zealand made a slow start against Jamaica, who raced into a four-point lead after the first quarter in the Group G match.

The five-time champions they forced their way back into the game and cut the deficit to three points at half-time.

New Zealand kept within touching distance after the restart but clinical finishing from the likes of Jhaniele Fowler, who scored 49 from 49, saw the Sunshine Girls pull away to claim the win.

South Africa beat Uganda 52-50 but it was not enough for them to overtake New Zealand and take the last semi-final spot on goal difference. 

The tournament is set to continue tomorrow with placement matches which will decide the lower rankings before the semi-finals.

England are due to meet New Zealand first on Saturday (August 5) before Jamaica and Australia clash later on the same day.