MUMBAI – West Indies Women scored their first ever win over New Zealand yesterday and are one win away from the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
They were indebted to a ninth-wicket stand between Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed that upstaged performances from Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin for the 48 runs in their second Super Six match at Brabourne Stadium.
Daley and off-spinner Mohammed added 45 valuable runs for the ninth wicket, the highest partnership in the game, to push their side past 200.
Medium-pacer Tremayne Smartt then rocked the New Zealand top order with sharp, late inswing, as they collapsed for 159 runs chasing the Windies 207.
Daley batted responsibly until she was caught for 37, hitting three fours, while Mohammed who struck four fours was undefeated on 31.
Earlier, Taylor scored 49 to swing the momentum back in her side’s favour after they stumbled to 75 for three.
Taylor hit seven fours facing 53 balls and her innings helped stabilize West Indies batting after losing their openers cheaply – Natasha McLean for four and Kycia Knight for 15.
Deandra Dottin, in her typically aggressive style, smashed 27 from 21 balls to assist in a middle order recovery.
New Zealand lost three wickets in the first ten overs and were reeling at 83 for five by the 20th as Smartt destroyed the frontline batters to finish with three for 39 off nine overs.
Dottin and Taylor picked up two wickets each while Mohammed, who was named Players of the Match also had a wicket to her credit.
The West Indians, who benefited from some umpiring decisions, were also brilliant in the field and highlights included Dottin and Taylor teaming up to run out Katie Perkins for 11 while Kyshona Knight and captain Aguilleira spearheaded the run-out of Rachel Priest for 36.
West Indies have moved to second place in the table with six points and will play leaders Australia in their final super six fixture tomorrow. (CMC)
