The Silver Ferns have opened their Netball World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 64-45 victory over Malawi in Liverpool.
The result was redemption for the Kiwi side who lost by four goals at the Commonwealth Games last year.
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The Ferns shot out to a 17-11 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.
Casey Kopua led the way defensively for the Kiwi ladies as they went to the break leading 32-17.
Kiwi shooter Maria Folau was at her devastating best from long-range – shooting a game-high 35 from 39 goals at 90 per cent.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio was in fine form herself when it came to putting the ball through the net, the 28-year-old made 21 from 22 goals.
The Silver Ferns added to their 15-goal lead after half time outscoring the African nation 17-13 in the third quarter to lead 49-30.
A host of changes came on for the Kiwis in the fourth quarter as they rested legs heading into the rest of the tournament.
The Malawi Queens were better in the final quarter, but nowhere near good enough as they fell to the Silver Ferns by 19 goals.
The Kiwi side will take on Barbados on Saturday, July 13.
Newshub.
