West Indies stun New Zealand by 3 runs in Women’s ODI World Cup opener

Deandra Dottin complemented Hayley Matthews’ whirlwind century with an immaculate last over as West Indies notched up a stunning three-run victory over the fancied New Zealand in the Women’s ODI World Cup opener at the Bay Oval here on Friday.

Hayley smashed a 128-ball 119 (16×4, 1×6) but the rest of their batters failed to convert their starts as West Indies set up a 260-run target after the White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine opted to field. In reply, the 2000 champions rode on Devine’s chancy 108 to overcome a shaky start but only to choke in the final



over.

Needing six runs in the final over, New Zealand lost three wickets in four balls to get all out for 256 in 49.5 overs with pace bowling allrounder Dottin returning with splendid figures of 0.5-0-2-2.

Having survived some anxious moments both in the form of a run-out and a couple of missed catches, Devine completed her sixth ODI century but could not take her team over the line.

Chinelle Henry took a spectacular return catch to dismiss the White Ferns captain in the 45th over, something that revived the Windies hopes before the veteran allrounder Dottin sealed the issue.