West Indies women’s defeated New Zealand women’s by 3 runs.

In the inaugural match of the ICC Women’s World Cup, West Indies upset hosts New Zealand in a thrilling last-over finish at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval. Despite losing three wickets in the last over, including well-set Katey Martin (44) and Jess Ker (25), New Zealand missed the 260-run target by four runs.

 As a bowler, Deandra Dottin stood out for the West Indies, taking the wickets of Martin and Kerr before removing Hannah Rowe on the last ball of the match to end New Zealand’s innings at 256 all out.

With a match-winning hundred, Hayley Matthews set up the West Indies’ triumph.

The all-rounder, who batted first in place of Rashada Williams, took the game to New Zealand from the outset, smashing 16 fours and a booming six in her 128-ball 119.

The 23-year-old Barbadian recovered to take 2-41 with her off-spin, delaying New Zealand’s effort to start their home campaign with a win.

Sloppy West Indies fielding cost Sophie Devine at least two lives, and the New Zealand skipper capitalised with a fighting 108 that kept the hosts in with a chance of winning.

With a stunning, juggled catch off her own bowling, Chinelle Henry eventually got rid of the home skipper, setting up an exciting last five overs at the Bay Oval.

“Until the last over, I thought we were in it,” Devine said.

Having a bowler like Dottin bowl in the 50th over is significant. So, they deserve great credit, but we need to move on rapidly. “

Matthews stated that coach Courtney Walsh phoned her on Thursday and informed her that she would be starting in lieu of Williams, who was ruled out due to concussion protocols.

Matthews remarked, “I’m just thrilled I was able to get some runs up top.” “That was certainly my best score, and without a doubt one of the best innings I’ve ever played.”

The competition, which was postponed by a year due to the global health crisis, pits all eight teams in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Australia, the strong favourites to win a sixth World Cup, will begin their campaign against England in Hamilton on Saturday.