The White Ferns have beaten the West Indies by nine runs in their Twenty20 match at Kensington Oval in Barbados, keeping alive their aspirations of reaching the Tri-series final.
Having opted to bat first, the White Ferns scrambled to 101 for seven from their 20 overs, with Rachel Priest top-scoring with 26. In reply, an opening partnership worth 44 between Stefanie Taylor (24) and Juliana Nero (20) had the West Indies in good shape, but a collapse ensued and by the end of the innings the home side had been reduced to 92 for eight.
Erin Bermingham made the initial breakthrough when she dismissed Nero off the first ball of the 10th over. The White Ferns continued to take regular wickets from that point forward, with Sian Ruck, Rachel Candy and Erin Bermingham all taking two wickets apiece. Nicola Browne was the most economical of the bowlers and finished with figures of 12 for one from four overs.
Earlier, skipper Suzie Bates (10) and Sophie Devine (13) had put on 19 for the first wicket, before Bates was trapped lbw at the start of the fourth over. At 50 for four after 11.3 overs the White Ferns needed someone to anchor the rest of the innings. New batsman Priest took on the role and made a crucial 26, while Maddy Green also chipped in with a helpful cameo of 16.
The White Ferns now play England on Wednesday (NZ time) and will give themselves a great chance of qualifying for the final with a victory.
