Hayley Matthews smashed a brilliant century to help the West Indies to a dramatic three-run victory over tournament hosts New Zealand in the opening match of the 12th Women’s World Cup at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
The all-rounder pummelled 16 fours and a booming six in her 128-ball 119.
The 23-year-old Barbadian returned to take 2/41 with her offspin and set back the New Zealanders in their bid to chase down 260 runs for victory.
Sloppy West Indies fielding gave Sophie Devine at least two lives and the New Zealand captain took full advantage with a battling 108 that kept the hosts in with a sniff of victory.
Seamer Chinelle Henry finally ousted the home captain.
Katey Martin (44) and Jess Kerr (25) needed six runs from the final six deliveries but Deandra Dottin dismissed them both and ran out Hannah Rowe to leave New Zealand 256 all out.
Brief scores: West Indies Women 259/9 in 50 overs (H. Matthews 119; L Tahuhu 3/57). New Zealand Women 256 all out in 49.5 overs (S. Devine 108; D. Dottin 2/2, H. Matthews 2/41). WI Women won by 3 runs.
