The West Indies Women opened their One Day International (ODI) World Cup campaign on a winning note after edging host New Zealand by 3 wickets in Tauranga, New Zealand on Friday.

The Windies all-rounder Hayley Mathews was the star on the day with a commanding all-round performance at both spec Mathew first led with the ball snaring, 2-41 from 10 over along with Anisa Mohamed who took scalps herself, 2-60, to help the Windies, restrict the hosts to 256 runs all out.

After a disciplined performance in the field, Mathews returned to terrorize the New Zealanders with the bat, blasting an inspired century to guide the regional team to a nail-biting finish.

Mathews posted a score of 114 runs from 129 deliveries which included a mammoth 16 fours and one six, as the Caribbean side chiseled away at their victory target.

She got support from Chedean Nation 36 runs and team Captain Jamaica’s Stephany Taylor 30 as it came down to a pulsating final over decide the winner.

In the end, the former T20 World Champions showed grit in the longer version of the game to race past their target by three runs posting 259 on the final ball.

The Windies Women will next face England in their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, March 8.