The opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 turned out to be a nail-biter as West Indies defeated hosts New Zealand by 3 runs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Asked to bat first, West Indies Women posted 259/9 in 50 overs on the back of opener Hayley Matthews’ 119 off 128 balls (16 fours and 1 six).

Lea Tahuhu (3-57) and Jess Kerr (2-43) starred with the ball for the White Ferns, sharing five wickets between them. Amelia Kerr (1-33) and Hannah Rowe (1-51) also returned with one scalp each.

In reply, New Zealand’s innings folded for 256 in 49.5 overs. Skipper Sophie Devine hit a brilliant century (108 off 127 balls) but her wicket put West Indies on top. Katey Martin (44) and Jess Kerr (25) brought the home team back in the contest only to falter in the final over.

For West Indies, Deandra Dottin picked up two wickets and effected a run-out in the last over when New Zealand needed only 6 runs to seal the deal.

Cricket experts on Twitter lauded both teams for producing a last-over thriller in the opening game of the Women's World Cup 2022.

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