With the game tied at 10-10 going into the sixth inning at the Pepsi Softball Centre, the Kiwis regained their lead immediately through a Thomas Enoka home run.

They added an insurance run to their advantage later in the inning on a fielder’s choice with the runner on first base sliding into Canada's Brandon Horn at second on an attempted double play.

Canada managed to pull one back in the seventh inning, but it proved to be in vain as the match ended 12-11 in their opponent’s favour.

The holders could still reach tomorrow’s final themselves if they win the preceding bronze medal game against Australia.

Australia earned their place in that game by beating Argentina 4-1.

It followed an 11-7 victory over the United States.

Argentina, who defeated Japan 5-3 earlier in the day, have finished in fourth place.

Japan have taken fifth spot, while the US have ended up in sixth.

South Africa ensured their place in the ninth-place play-off with an 11-2 win over the Dominican Republic, who finished in 11th spot.

Standing in their way are Czech Republic, who followed up a 6-2 victory over Hong Kong by overcoming Denmark 5-3.

Denmark, who earlier beat Great Britain 6-1, have finished in 12th place.  

Britain and Hong Kong finished in 13th and 14th respectively.