The New Zealand White Ferns remain a chance at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India, despite a 48 run loss to the West Indies in their super-six match at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai last night.
The defeat now leaves the White Ferns fate somewhat in the hands of Australia, who must beat the West Indies on Wednesday to give New Zealand any chance of advancing. The Kiwis must also overcome England by a reasonable margin, which would give them a superior net run-rate to their Caribbean opposition and see them secure a spot in the final against Australia.
The West Indies made 207 for nine in their 50 overs, with a rally from the lower-order taking them past the 200 mark. In reply the White Ferns were unable to form a key partnership and paid the price as they were dismissed for 159 after 44.3 overs.
The top-order failed to fire for the White Ferns, with Suzie Bates the only one to remain at the crease for an extended period of time. She watched five other teammates come and go in her innings, before being dismissed herself for 30 in the 22nd over.
At 83 for six the White Ferns faced a massive task, but Rachel Priest (36) stuck around to give her side a glimmer of hope and pass the 150 mark. They were however still losing wickets and in the end the West Indies ran out Priest to end proceedings and record the victory.
Tremayne Smartt was the bowler to initiate the collapse, taking three top-order wickets in her nine overs for 39 runs.
Earlier, Stefanie Taylor had made 49 off 53 balls to give the West Indies a solid start with the bat. At 75 for two they were heading for a big score, but the White Ferns fought back with four wickets in the space of 42 runs, including the key players of Taylor and Deandra Dottin (27) who had both looked dangerous.
The bowling team maintained the momentum and had the West Indies on the ropes at 159 for eight. However, they failed to close out the innings, with Shanel Daley (37) and Anisa Mohammed (31*) striking a damaging 45 run partnership for the ninth wicket.
For the White Ferns, Morna Nielsen collected career-best figures of three for 27 from ten, while Sian Ruck and Bates picked up two wickets apiece.
The loss was deemed ‘bitterly disappointing’ by Bates, but the team now focus on giving themselves every chance of progressing with a win over England on Wednesday.
