Despite a blistering knock of 89 from 93 balls from Sophie Devine, the White Ferns have fallen to the West Indies Women by 65 runs in the second One Day International at Warner Park in St Kitts.
The West Indies were once again led by Deandra Dottin (82*) with the bat, who lifted her side to a competitive total of 246-5. The White Ferns in response struggled to form meaningful partnerships and lacked the momentum for much of their innings, eventually seeing them dismissed for 181 after 45.3 overs.
Full scorecard
Having opted to bat first, the West Indies steady approach paid dividends for them. The top order all made starts, with opener Kycia Knight (48) in particular taking the early initiative.
Her departure in the 20th over would not slow down the home side though, with Dottin and Stafanie Taylor (50) getting on top of the Kiwi bowlers and taking the West Indies well past the 200 mark.
Skipper Suzie Bates took two wickets for the White Ferns, but Georgia Guy in just her second ODI was the pick with the ball, finishing with figures of 1-27 from 10 overs.
When it came time to pursue the West Indies total, the visitors needed a top order partnership to seriously challenge them, but wickets fell at inopportune times throughout the innings.
Bates made a handy 38, but departed in the 14th over to leave the White Ferns 55-4. While wickets continued to fall intermittently, Devine remained resolute at the crease and picking up runs at a steady rate. When the eighth wicket fell and the situation began to look dire, the 25-year-old began to look for the boundary.
Four sixes later and just 11 runs away from her ton, the White Ferns were still in with a chance. Unfortunately her entertaining knock came to an end at this point and the home side wrapped up the match and ICC Women’s Championship in the 46th over.
The third of four ODIs will be played on Thursday morning (NZ time).
