Hosts New Zealand lost three wickets in the final over as they suffered a three-run defeat to West Indies in a seesaw World Cup opener in Tauranga.
New Zealand, having rallied from 162-6 as they attempted a record Women’s World Cup chase of 260, began the final over needing six runs from six balls with three wickets in hand.
However, West Indies seamer Deandra Dottin dismissed Katey Martin (44) and Jess Kerr (25) – who had put on 40 for the eighth wicket – and then ran out Fran Jonas (0) as New Zealand were all out for 256.
Hayley Matthews scored 119 in West Indies’ total of 259-9, with New Zealand captain Sophie Devine countering with 108.
Devine’s side were well placed in the chase at 123-2 in the 28th over, the captain having put on 76 with Amy Satterthwaite (31) for the third wicket, only for Satterthwaite’s exit to lead to a collapse of 4-39 and swing the game West Indies’ way.
Devine, though, then added 53 with Martin for the seventh wicket and after the skipper was brilliantly caught and bowled by Chinelle Henry – the same player who had dropped her on 74 – Martin and Kerr kept New Zealand’s hopes alive.
Martin hit successive boundaries off Henry to close the 49th over and leave New Zealand as favourites heading into the last.
