WI-W vs NZ-W: New Zealand prevail in a close encounter to take a lead 

NZ bowlers skittle West Indies line-up

Invited to bat first, West Indies lost Aaliyah Alleyne (1) early. However, the skipper Hayley Matthews (30) and Kyshona Knight (16) were strong support to steer the team on the right path. 

Then, Shabika Gajnabi (19) and Chinelle Henry (13) were the contributors as the Caribbean team could only manage to post 93 on the board. 

The talented spinner Fran Jonas was the pick of the bowlers for White Ferns with three wickets, followed by a double strike each from Suzie Bates and Eden Carson. 

New Zealand seals a hard-fought victory

Matthews took 4 wickets (PC: Twitter)

In response, New Zealand were rocked by the early dismissals of their key batters Sophie Devine (3) and Suzie Bates (2) courtesy of Hayley Matthews. 

Soon, Matthews sent back Georgia Plimmer (12) and Amelia Kerr (0) back the hut, which put the visitors under the pump. Nevertheless, the pair of Maddy Green and Lauren Down (16) were proficient to add 38 runs for the fifth wicket. 

Then, Green remained unbeaten on 49 off 45 balls to seal the game for the White Ferns, and they are now ahead 2-1 in the series. 

Brief Scores:

West Indies Women: 93/9 (20)

Hayley Matthews 30 (28), Shabika Gajnabi 19 (17);
Fran Jonas 3/16, Suzie Bates 2/5

New Zealand Women: 94/5 (18.4)

Maddy Green 49* (45), Lauren Down 16 (26);
Hayley Matthews 4/12, Afy Fletcher 1/12

Result: NZ Women won by 5 wickets

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