NORTH SOUND – West Indies Women’s penchant for dramatic finishes continued here Wednesday, the hosts snatching a one-run win over New Zealand Women in the opening Twenty20 International.
Defending a meagre 116, the hosts entered the final over at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground with their noses in front, especially with the visitors nine wickets down and requiring 20 runs.
However, Hannah Rowe made the game interesting with a bold unbeaten 27 from 21 balls, lashing the first delivery from seamer Aliyah Alleyne for four before trading singles with Fran Jonas (one not out) and then pinching a couple, to leave New Zealand Women needing 11 runs from the last two deliveries in order to tie the encounter.
The 25-year-old right-hander injected fear into the Caribbean side by smashing the fifth delivery for four and the final delivery for six, New Zealand Women coming within a whisker.
Summarised scores: West Indies Women 115 in 20 overs (Aaliyah Alleyne 47, Rashada Williams 15, Amelia Kerr 3-16, Fran Jonas 2-13). New Zealand Women 114 for nine in 20 overs (Hannah Rowe 27*, Sophie Devine 23, Chinelle Henry 3-26, Afy Fletcher 2-18). West Indies Women won by one run. (CMC)