In the opening match of the current ICC Women's World Cup 2022 West Indies upset hosts New Zealand in an exciting encounter at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday. With only 6 runs needed from the final over, New Zealand lost 3 wickets, including those of well-set Katey Martin (44) with Jess Ker (25) to fall 4 runs short of the goal of 260.

Deandra Dottin was the West Indies' standout with the ball, taking the wicket of Martin and Kerr before running out Hannah Rowe with the last ball to leave New Zealand 256 all out.

Matthews scored 119 off 128 balls, including 17 boundaries and a six. Although other batsmen did not contribute much, Chedean Nation was the furthermore performer for West Indies in the match, with 36 from 46 deliveries.

Hayley Matthews Who Set Up the Victory Against New Zealand

Hayley Matthews set up the West Indies' triumph in the women’s world cup 2022, with a match-winning hundred. The all-rounder, who batted first in replacement of Rashada Williams, controlled the game to New Zealand from the outset, smashing 16 fours and a thunderous six in her 128-ball 119.

The 23-year-old Barbadian recovered to grab 2-41 with her off-spin, delaying New Zealand's effort to start their home campaign with a win.

West Indies Fielding Cost Sophie Devine at Least Two Lives

Sloppy West Indies fielding cost Sophie Devine at least two lives, and the New Zealand skipper capitalized with a fighting 108 that held the hosts in with a chance of the win.

Chinelle Henry finally got rid of the home skipper with a wonderful shuffled catch out of her bowling, setting up a thrilling final five over at the Bay Oval.

"I believed we were in it until the last over," Devine said.

"It doesn't get much more crucial than a bowler entering the 50th over and performing like Dottin. So they deserve great credit, but we need to move on rapidly."

Probably My Best Score, Matthews Said

Matthews stated that coach Courtney Walsh phoned her on Thursday and informed her that she would be starting instead of Williams, who'd been ruled out due to concussion protocols.

"I'm just glad I was able to get some runs up top," Matthews said "Probably my best score, and one of the finest innings."

The tournament, which was postponed by a year owing to the massive health crisis, pits all eight teams in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Australia, the favorites to win the seventh title, will kick up their campaign-facing holders England on Saturday in Hamilton.

India vs Pakistan Head to Head, Women's World Cup 2022

The ICC Women's World Cup 2022 is quickly approaching. The competition will begin on March 4 with a match between hosts New Zealand Women and West Indies Women at Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui. India Women will meet Pakistan Women in their first game on March 6 (Sunday) at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The match will commence on March 6, 2022, in the Bay Oval Stadium.