Today, Jamaica especially turned on the taps in the fourth quarter to overwhelm New Zealand 59-48 in an action-packed World Cup match in Cape Town.
Jhaniele Fowler and her teammates thus threw a play-off lifeline in South Africa’s direction; now the Proteas just have to deal decently with Uganda later this afternoon to keep their podium dream going.
But back to New Zealand.
After the defending champions played to a draw against the Proteas on Wednesday evening, they have now for the first time lost against Jamaica in a World Cup match.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow and we will definitely have to do some self-examination,” Ameliaranne Ekenasio, captain of the Silver Ferns, said after the matchup.
“All we can do now is stand together; our country and supporters deserve better from us on the court.”
An outstanding fourth quarter ????@NetballJamaica are impressing as they edge towards a first ever Netball World Cup victory over New Zealand ????????#NWC2023 | #PutYourHandsUp pic.twitter.com/KzFkhVVfmr
— World Netball (@WorldNetball_) August 3, 2023
Fowler was now especially a colossus under the goal post and the Kiwi defenders were powerless to stop her. The player, who stands 1.98 m in her socks, was at one stage in the spot with all 49 of her goal attempts.
If South Africa play Uganda later today, goal difference will determine which team advances to the cup play-offs.
- The Proteas play against Uganda at 16:00.
Score after each quarter:
First quarter: 15–11 in favor of Jamaica
Second quarter: 26–23 in favor of Jamaica
Third quarter: 41–39 in favor of Jamaica
Fourth quarter: 59–48 in favor of Jamaica.
The Sunshine Girls condemned New Zealand to their biggest-ever loss at the Netball World Cup with goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler scoring 49 goals from 49 attempts ???????????? #HereForHer | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/87gISjAqzr
— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) August 3, 2023
