For the first time in 16 years and third in their history, Jamaica claimed victory over the Silver Ferns, and did it emphatically in the end.
The Silver Ferns' performance was a stark contrast of the previous night's 75-42 thrashing of Malawi, and is a result that will raise serious questions in the run-up to next month's Commonwealth Games.
The Ferns were playing catch-up from the first quarter, desperately trying to keep up with Jamaica, which lived up to its unorthodox reputation with surprisingly fast and feisty play.
The Ferns managed to tie the first quarter 13-13, but slowly gave away too many opportunities, handing the Sunshine Girls a three-point lead by halftime.
It was a battle of the captains in Jamaica's circle, as Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Katrina Grant fought for possession, but Fowler-Reid's height advantage gave Jamaica the upper hand.
Jamaican defender Shamera Sterling was also a tough opponent, leaving shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Bailey Mes little opportunity to land much-needed goals.
The Jamaicans' tight defence in the circle meant Mes was forced to take more long-range shots, and with the absence of injured sharp shooter Maria Folau, the Ferns struggled to close the gap on the scoreboard.
Defender Temalisi Fakahokotau was back on the court in the third quarter, after sitting out the Ferns' win over Malawi due to a sprained ankle, and her brave and ambitious defensive tactics had an immediate impact on the court.
However, it was not enough to help the Ferns claw back into the clash, as Jamaica held its three-point lead well into the final quarter.
As the Ferns struggled to maintain a consistent flow on court, Jamaica opened to a handy buffer, which its maintained until the end.
The Silver Ferns will face Fiji tonight before the finals tomorrow afternoon.
In the earlier match, World No6 Malawi shook off the cobwebs with a 67-52 win over Fiji.
Malawi came out with more energy last night and dominated the first half against the 12th-ranked Fijians, leading
40-21 at half-time.
Fiji launched a stirring third-quarter comeback and
trailed 36-49 at the final break, but Malawi managed to reassert some control to take the last quarter 18-16 and close out the win.
