New Zealand clinched a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final after a nail-biting eight-run win over the West Indies in the second semi-final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. The Kiwis displayed remarkable composure, especially in their bowling, to defend a modest total of 129, restricting the West Indies to 120 in the final over.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand’s openers made a solid start, with Suzie Bates scoring 26 off 28 and setting the tone. Despite a few quick wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Melie Kerr for 7, Georgia Plimmer’s 33 (31) held the innings together. Late contributions from Brooke Halliday (18 off 9) and captain Sophie Devine (12 off 12) helped push the total to a competitive 129. Izzy Gaze added a valuable 20 to set a challenging target.
In response, West Indies suffered early blows, losing Qiana Joseph (12) and Shemaine Campbelle (3) in the powerplay, leaving them at 25/2. New Zealand’s Eden Carson starred with the ball, taking crucial wickets including West Indies’ captain Stafanie Taylor for 13. Deandra Dottin briefly rekindled hopes for West Indies with a gritty 33, but Melie Kerr removed her to put the Kiwis back in control.
Late cameos from Afy Fletcher (17) and Zaida James (14) brought the chase close, but New Zealand held their nerve to seal the victory in the final over.
New Zealand will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday, after the Proteas pulled off a shocking victory against defending champions Australia in the first semi-final.
Playing XIs:
West Indies XI: Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
New Zealand XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
The final promises an exciting showdown between South Africa and New Zealand, two teams that defied the odds to reach this stage.
