THE once-mighty New Zealand netball team is in crisis after Malawi claimed the biggest upset in Commonwealth Games netball history with a stunning 57-53 win over the Silver Ferns last night.
New Zealand have made all five gold medal matches since netball was introduced in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, winning in 2006 and 2010.
But the powerhouse is staring down the barrel of being banished to the outhouse after Malawi finished over the top of the slipping Silver Ferns with goalshooter Mwai Kumwenda the star with 41 goals.
While Australia dominated an injury-hit South Africa and cruised to a 60-38 win, the Kiwis were shocked by a 17-9 third quarter that blew the game wide open after they’d led the small African nation by seven goals at quarter-time.
Malawi extended their lead in the final term and euphoric scenes erupted on the fulltime siren with coach Whyte Mulilima saying the result will have a massive impact at home.
“We have beaten the untouchables. We can walk tall now,’’ he said.
“Everybody will be shocked back home. They never expected us to win.
“God gave me the strength and the wisdom to beat New Zealand. So I’m thankful to God, thankful to the players and to all the crowd for their support.
ABSOLUTE SCENES!!!
🇲🇼Malawi beat the 🇳🇿@SilverFernsNZ 57-53
Check out the dance moves, incredible!#GC2018 #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/B3MRpjQauc
— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 8, 2018
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