Women's Cricket: New Zealand beat West Indies by 8 runs

Mount Maungnei (New Zealand), March 14 (IANS) | New Zealand Women's Cricket Team defeated West Indies by eight runs in the first T-20 match on Wednesday. Earlier, batting first, New Zealand had set a target of 168 in front of the West Indies, which they could not achieve, and could only manage 159 runs in just six overs in 20 overs.

After chasing the target, Hayley Mathews (53) gave a good start to the West Indies. They together with Marisa Aguilera added 42 runs for the first wicket. However, Marissa's contribution was just five runs and in the same form the West Indies lost their first wicket.

Matthews also got out on total score of 60. He hit 10 fours in 31 balls in his innings.

Captain Sarah Taylor (51 not out) tried his best to win the team but failed. Praveen hit three sixes and so many fours in his 31-ball knock.

Leigh Casparac took three wickets for New Zealand. Sophie Dewine took two more and Tahuhu got a breakthrough

Earlier, New Zealand had scored 167 runs at the loss of six wickets in the 20 overs on the score of Suji Bates (49), Katie Martin (54). Both of them shared 76 runs for the second wicket.

Apart from these, Amy Storthwat contributed 36 runs. Martin was chosen Player of the Match for his half-century.