March 14 (CRICKETNMORE) - West Indies Women suffered a nail-biting 8-run loss to New Zealand White Ferns in the first T20 International at the Bay Oval in Mt. Maunganui.

The defending World T20 Champions won the toss taken by Captain Stafanie Taylor and elected to bowl first. The White Ferns posted 167/6 from their 20 overs. Deandra Dottin had the best bowling figures of 2/23, while Hayley Matthews had 1/27.

West Indies Women reached 159/6 in 20 overs. Leigh Kasperek took 3/35 from her 4 overs, while Sophie Devine had 2/27 from 4 overs.

Katey Martin was awarded Player of the Match.