Stafanie Taylor slammed an unbeaten 135 yesterday for the West Indies Women as the regional team romped to a 95-run win over New Zealand at Sabina Park, Jamaica to clinch the One Day International (ODI) series 2-1.
Batting first in the deciding third ODI match, Taylor was in a destructive mood, almost single-handedly guiding West Indies to 238/6. The Jamaican right-hander hit 14 fours and two sixes in her match winning knock.
After losing the early wicket of Natasha Mclean, Taylor and Kycia Knight shared in a 75-run second wicket partnership, which laid a solid foundation. The pair took the total to 83, before Knight fell for 29. Captain Merissa Aguilliera contributed 20, but Taylor was the mainstay in the innings as the Kiwis bowlers had no answers.
Taylor got to her century in the 44th over in front of her home fans. A further 46 runs off the last five overs added more misery to New Zealand as Erin Bermingham (2/30) and Frances Mackay (2/47) snatched two wickets apiece in vain.
New Zealand lost wickets regularly which halted its response. Taylor was also effective with the ball, taking 4/35 as the Kiwis could only muster 143 all out. Shanel Daley also bowled well, grabbing 2/28, while Katie Perkins offered some resistance, scoring 34.
West Indies and New Zealand will now travel to Barbados where they will be met by England for a Tri-Nations Women's T20 series. West Indies will face New Zealand in its first match on Monday.
SCORES
AT SABINA PARK
West Indies 238/6 (Stafanie Taylor 135 no, Kycia Knight 29, Erin Bermingham 2/30, Frances Mackay 2/47) vs New Zealand 143 (Katie Perkins 34, Taylor 4/35, Shanel Daley 2/28)
West Indies won by 95 runs.
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