ST. JOHN’S, Antigua- New Zealand secured a 5-wicket victory in the third T20 International against the West Indies Women to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Hayley Matthews produced a magical spell with her off-spin to have the visitors tottering on 20/4 after 5.5 overs, finishing with career-best figures of 4-1-12-4, but the White Ferns fought back for a series-leading victory.

Matthews said, “The pressure was on from the time we went out to bowl. I was focusing on hitting my areas, put my plans in and execute. Thankfully the wicket favoured spinners today. We didn’t have enough runs on the road and it’s something we have to seriously look at going into the last two T20Is. We need to have one of main batters batting deeper and accumulate more singles and better running between the wicket, especially through the middle overs.”