Windies women level series against New Zealand

Kingstown (St. Vincent), Sep 26 (IANS/CMC) West Indies women levelled the series 1-1 after an impressive all round performance from Deandra Dottin powered them to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand women in the second Twenty20 International at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex here.

Dottin grabbed three wickets to upset New Zealand’s innings and returned to smash an unbeaten 40 to lead her side to victory and levelling the three-match series following Tuesday’s crushing defeat, reports CMC.

Dottin combined with Shemaine Campbelle in a half century stand as the West Indies coasted to 102 for three in 17.1 overs after New Zealand, who lost the toss and were asked to bat, totalled 101 for five in 20 overs.

The Barbadian allrounder wreaked havoc after a half century stand from openers Rachel Priest and Suzie Bates threatened to take the game away from the homeside.

The New Zealand collapse began when Bates who struck five fours in her knock of 29 was run out by Shakera Selman because she was backing up to far.

Dottin destroyed the top order bowling Sophie Devine for eight, trapping Sara McGlashan lbw for two and capturing the scalp of Rachel Priest for 31.

Priest hit three fours and faced 39 balls in her 62 minute occupation of the crease before she was caught behind.

A poor start by the West Indies saw them slumping to 12 for two after Kycia Knight was caught at the wicket for five and Stafanie Taylor mistimed a drive to mid-off when she was on five as well.

But Dottin and Campbelle pulled the West Indies around with a 59-run third wicket partnership which repaired the damage and kept the homeside in the running for a series victory.

Dottin’s undefeated top score of 40 came in 42 balls and included three fours while Campbelle scored a four and a six on her way to an unbeaten 29.

The come-back win by West Indies to level the series one all now sets the stage for an explosive third and deciding fixture Saturday at the same venue.

--IANS/CMC