White Ferns claim a first series win in West Indies

The White Ferns secured their first series win in the Caribbean after surviving a late batting collapse to defeat the West Indies in the second ODI in Antigua.

Chasing just 170 runs for victory, the visitors were cruising at 164-5 before they lost three quick wickets to be 167-8. The White Ferns held their nerve to get across the line with two wickets and almost 10 overs to spare to seal the series triumph.

Batter Maddy Green anchored the New Zealand innings but was unable to finish the job, caught one short of a half-century with victory in sight.

Brooke Halliday, Lea Tahuhu and keeper Isabella Gaze followed in quick succession.

Otago spinner Eden Carson made a dazzling debut with the ball, with the 21-year-old taking 3-31, including the wicket of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for 46.

Green and Lauren Down contributed a 66-run partnership in the middle order. Down was dismissed for 33 off 56 deliveries after scoring four boundaries with New Zealand on 117-4.

New Zealand openers Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine were out for 16 and 7, while in-form all-rounder Amelia Kerr was caught at point on 21.

The West Indies were unable to build momentum with the bat until Matthews came to the crease. She delivered a captain’s knock but was out lbw to Carson.

The next game will be played tomorrow.

New Zealand won the tour opener on Tuesday by five runs in bizarre circumstances under the DuckworthLewis scoring system as bad light stopped play.