White Ferns pip Windies

Sophie Devine’s third one-day international cricket century was just enough as the White Ferns survived a huge fright from West Indies to sneak a onerun win in a thrilling first women’s ODI.

New Zealand’s 278-9 looked an imposing total after Devine hit 108, but thanks to a quickfire 90 from West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor and a late onslaught from Kyshona Knight, the tourists nearly got home at Lincoln, near Christchurch.

Spinner Leigh Kasperek was thrown the ball for the final over with West Indies needing 11 to win, and looked to have it under control when she dismissed Tremayne Smartt off the third ball.

But Knight hit the next ball for four, then took a single to leave No 11 Shamilia Connell needing four to win off Kasperek’s final delivery. She could only manage two as West Indies finished 277-9 and the White Ferns breathed a sigh of relief to make a winning start to the three-match ODI series at Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

Spin helped stem the West Indies’ run flow, with Kasperek ending with 2-51 off 10 overs and legspinner Amelia Kerr taking 2-49 off her 10, including the big wicket of the experienced Deandra Dottin for nine.

Devine and captain Suzie Bates got New Zealand off to their customary strong start, the openers adding 76 off 14.4 overs.

Devine batted through to the 37th over at a strong clip, scoring 108 off 103 balls and hitting eight fours and two sixes. She was finally removed by Afy Fletcher, who also dismissed Amy Satterthwaite for 27.

Game two is back at Lincoln on Thursday.