ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – New Zealand Women won the first CG United One Day International, defeating West Indies Women by five runs via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

In a match reduced to 35-overs per side due wet conditions, West Indies batted first and Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean combined for a solid opening partnership for the West Indies. The pair added 29 before Williams fell for 19 off 28 balls which included four fours. McLean soldiered on, striking a lofty six to mid-on before she departed for 20, which came off 23 balls and also included three boundaries.

An 83-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Kyshona Knight rebuilt the West Indies innings. Henry was the first to go when she was caught for 44 (34 balls, 5x4) and Knight perished two balls later for 36 (61 balls, 1x4).

The West Indies posted 168-7 from their 35 overs. Fran Jonas was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with figures of 7-2-22-2 followed by Jess Kerr with 6-0-29-2.

Suzie Bates and the White Ferns Skipper Sophie Devine got their run-chase off to a flyer. They posted an opening stand of 54 before Devine’s opposite number Hayley Matthews had her caught out in the deep by Kyshona Knight for 25 (24 balls, 2x4). Bates went on to strike her 29th half century before leg-spinner Afy Fletcher had her caught for 51 (65 balls, 6x4).

Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green took the New Zealand innings to within touching distance of victory, but Matthews struck in her sixth over to remove Green and Lauren Down to put the West Indies back on course for victory.

Henry had Hayley Jensen caught in the deep for and the West Indies were gathering momentum before the match as called with New Zealand on 159-5 after 33 overs. According to the D/L/S calculations, New Zealand were five runs ahead of the 154 needed for victory at that stage of the innings.

Amelia Kerr finished on 47 not out – off 67 balls with four boundaries which proved to be a match-winning knock. Matthews led the West Indies bowling as she finished with 7-0-28-3.

Matthews said:

Before the start of play both teams as well as match officials observed a minute of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

The second match is on Wednesday at the same venue. First ball is 9:30am Eastern Caribbean/8:30am Jamaica time.

Full scorecard here

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