The shambolic Silver Ferns have sunk to a fresh low.

Malawi stunned New Zealand 57-53 in their pool match at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, a result which could cost the Ferns a place in the semifinals later this week. The Ferns face England in their final pool match on Wednesday in what will be a must-win clash.

Lose that and the Ferns face the prospect of playing off for fifth spot, which would be embarrassing considering their proud history at the Commonwealth Games, never not capturing gold or silver.

New Zealand appeared to be cruising at halftime, leading 32-25, but imploded in the third quarter, where they were outscored 17-9.

The result only heaps further pressure on under-fire coach Janine Southby. The Ferns headed into the tournament with less than impressive recent results, including two losses in three days to Jamaica in the Taini Jamison Trophy last month.

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Southby and her coaching staff will again cop plenty of heat for their frequent substitutions and easing off when they held a sizeable advantage in the first half. They were guilty of not showing Malawi enough respect, which came back to sting them badly.

The loss continues a horror past six months for the Ferns. They have won just five of their past 14 matches since October and find themselves in crisis mode.

New Zealand play minnows Scotland in their next match on Monday night and Southby must settle on her best starting seven and give them sufficient time to settle.

Former Mainland Tactix import Mwai Kumwenda was the star for Malawi, landing 41/46 and sinking several crucial shots in the final quarter.

It was a famous victory for Malawi, who danced in celebration at the fulltime whistle, barely believing what they had just accomplished.

Malawi fought back at the start of the second half after trailing by seven at halftime with the Silver Ferns becoming rattled.

New Zealand had never previously lost to Malawi in nine previous appearances and ran out comfortable 75-42 victors in Auckland on March 21 in the Taini Jamison Trophy series.

Malawi had only just stepped off the plane on that occasion and were a completely different proposition this time around.

Southby mixed up her starting line-up, handing Te Paea Selby-Rickit the goal shoot bib, alongside Maria Folau.

Samantha Sinclair got the nod at centre with Claire Kersten slotting in at wing defence.

Temalisi Fakahokotau was preferred at goal keep, but it wasn't long before Kelly Jury was called into the action, replacing her after the first term.

Folau led the way in the shooting end with 31/39. Again, the Ferns were hindered by too many line-up changes throughout the game, which prevented them from building any rhythm.

AT A GLANCE:

Malawi 57 (Mwai Kumwenda: 41/46, Jane Chimaliro: 16/20) beat New Zealand 53 (Te Paea Selby-Rickit: 15/17, Maria Folau: 31/39, Bailey Mes: 7/12, Ameliaranne Ekenasio 0/2)

Quarter scores: 11-18, 25-32, 42-41.