Windies women beat new Zealand

MUMBAI, India,  CMC-A crucial ninth wicket stand between Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed upstaged performances from Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin as West Indies women defeated New Zealand Women by 48 runs in their second Super Six, second round match in the ICC Women’s World Cup at Brabourne Stadium here  yesterday.

Daley and offspinner Mohammed added 45 valuable runs for the ninth wicket, the highest partnership in the game, to push their side past 200 after the Windies had suffered sporadic batting slumps for most of the innings.

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.

The all-round effort by West Indies women to secure their first ever win over New Zealand has also pushed them one win away from the final.

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 valuable runs to swing the momentum back in her side’s favour after they stumbled to 75 for three losing early wickets including two in the first ten overs.

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 over as Smartt destroyed the frontline batters to finish with 3 for 39 of 9 overs.

Dottin and Taylor picked up two wickets each while Mohammed who was named players of the match also has a wicket to her credit.

The West Indians were also brilliant in the field and highlights include 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, known as one of the most improved sides in women’s cricket, have move to second place in the table with six points and will play Australia in their final super six fixture  tomorrow.