Riding on the back of a magnificent all-round show from Hayley Matthews (119 and 2-41), West Indies began their 2022 World Cup campaign with a narrow 3-run upset victory over hosts New Zealand, successfully defending 259 off the penultimate ball of the tournament opener at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday.
Promoted back to her opening slot on the eve of the game after Rashada Williams was ruled out as per concussion rules, Matthews stepped up with her career-best ODI knock. But with the rest of the batting failing to capitalise on their starts, the visitors were restricted to just 259/9 after Lea Tahuhu and the Kerr sisters shared six scalps between them to lead the home side's comeback with the ball.
With steady wickets falling at one end despite all of West Indies' fielding fumbles, Devine's hundred held together New Zealand's reply until Chinelle Henry pulled off a stunner in the 45th over to leave the hosts in a spot of bother. Jess Kerr and Katey Martin managed to bring the equation down to six off the final six, but Deandra Dottin removed both the set batters in the final over before a panic run out next left New Zealand dug out in utter shock and disappointment.
