The West Indies Women have claimed a five-wicket victory over the White Ferns in the opening One Day International at Warner Park in St Kitts.
Having opted to bat first, the White Ferns were restricted to 142 all out, with Tremayne Smartt (5-24) the chief destroyer. Deandra Dottin then took the reins with the bat for the home side, making a cool 60 from 77 balls to help the West Indies reach their target after 40.1 overs.
The White Ferns innings got off to the worst possible start when captain Suzie Bates was bowled for a duck by Smartt. Their precarious start continued when they were reduced to 44-3 in the 17th over.
The middle order would steady the ship though, with Amy Satterthwaite (33), Sophie Devine (36) and Katie Perkins (36) all making valuable contributions. Unfortunately though, the West Indies would strike just as the White Ferns seemed to be gaining some momentum.
After working their way back into the match, the White Ferns lost their last five wickets for just seven runs and were all out with 5.5 overs remaining.
Apart from a potentially curly moment at 36-2, the West Indies were in firm control during their pursuit.
Dottin anchored the home side, getting them to within 17 runs of victory before falling to Bates. It didn’t impact the final result though, with the West Indies cruising to a first up win.
Debutant Georgia Guy showed great promise, claiming 2-26 from 8.1 overs including the scalp of Stafanie Taylor (21). Bates also picked up two wickets, while Hayley Jensen was the other to get through the West Indies defences.
The White Ferns will now need to win the next two ODIs to win their first round of the ICC Women’s Championship. Their next match is on Monday morning (NZ time).
