The White Ferns have cruised to a record nine wicket victory over the West Indies Women in the opening match of the One Day International series at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
The West Indies were restricted to 181 for eight from their 50 overs, with Stefanie Taylor top-scoring with 36. An unbeaten 142 run second wicket partnership between Suzie Bates and Sara McGlashan was the backbone behind the White Fern chase, reaching the target after 29.3 overs.
Suzie Bates, recently named ICC ODI Player of the Year, contributed with figures of two for 25 with the ball and made an unbeaten 95 with the bat to claim the Player of the Match award.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, the West Indies got off to a solid start, reaching 50 for one in the 14th over. Kycia Knight looked set with a well-made 30, but her dismissal by Morna Nielsen was followed by the fall of regular wickets.
The dynamic Stefanie Taylor was her usual aggressive self, but undone by a direct hit in the field from Sophie Devine. The Kiwi all-rounder continued her involvement, taking two of her own wickets, including that of the dangerous Shanel Daley (24).
