The White Ferns have left their run too late in the opening match of their T20 series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
Melie Kerr is run out. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Despite 10 runs off the final two balls to tail-ender Hannah Rowe, New Zealand suffered a one-run defeat in Antigua on Thursday (NZ time).
The visitors were chasing a modest target of just 116, but finished on 114-9 after a lack-lustre batting display.
No 9 Rowe top-scored with 27 not out, with captain Sophie Devine (23) the only other White Fern to make it past 20.
Earlier, New Zealand produced a strong bowling and fielding effort to restrict the home side to 115 all out from their 20 overs.
Spin duo Amelia Kerr and Fran Jonas led the way with the ball.
Leg-spinner Kerr took 3-16 from her four overs, including the big wickets of West Indies top-scorer Aaliyah Alleyne for 49 and in-form captain Hayley Matthews for 15.
Left-arm orthodox Jonas bagged 2-13, with Devine also chipping in with two wickets.
Game two of the five-match series is on Sunday morning.
