New Zealand managed a narrow 8-run victory over West Indies at the semifinal stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to get past it into the final. Batting first at Sharjah, the Kiwis could manage only 128/9 in its 20 overs. The steady 33 from Georgia Plimmer and 26 from Suzie Bates were enough to make a competitive total despite tight bowling by West Indies.
Deandra Dottin was the star with the ball for the Caribbean side, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs. West Indies fell short in reply and ended on 120/8, as Eden Carson’s 3/29 was decisive. Now, New Zealand will be playing South Africa in the final with this victory.
It was a gripping match as the women in black emerged victorious against the women in maroon in the semifinal. Sophie Devine and co never looked like playing some quality cricket as the wickets kept tumbling at fairly regular intervals, opting to bat. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine could not convert their starts, but Plimmer and Brooke Halliday provided the innings with a late push at the end. Hayley Matthews did its best with the bowling, as Dottin took the lead of the attack, but New Zealand helped their total come to 128.
New Zealand defeat West Indies in crucial semifinal, thanks to Eden Carson
Eden Carson ruled the middle order of West Indies in the second innings, and by this performance, she ensured that New Zealand won the match by a narrow margin. The team now enters into the final by playing against South Africa, after beating West Indies in the semis by keeping their nerves steady in this low-scoring thriller.
New Zealand defeated West Indies in the semifinal as they batted very well, while West Indies bowled well. Defending 129, New Zealand’s bowlers never give a respite. West Indies’ run chase was well and truly off to a wrong start with Qiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbelle falling very early. Although Deandra Dottin’s quickfire 33 off 22 balls gave West Indies hope, New Zealand’s bowlers kept picking crucial wickets that mattered in the end.
Notably, Carson bagged three wickets for 29 runs while Amelia Kerr chipped in with two wickets for 14 runs. The Caribbean side needed 11 runs off the last over but could not make it to the target to qualify for the final, where they are going to face South Africa.
West Indies went down to New Zealand in the semifinal, as the Kiwis won with quite a brilliant show against the women in maroon. Eden Carson was the difference for New Zealand as her brilliant bowling kept West Indies under pressure, struggling to chase down 129.
Unluckily, Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor could not capitalise on their starts and no matter how aggressive the fielding was by Dottin, New Zealand bowling never let them take a firm grasp of the game. Tight death bowling from Amelia Kerr and Fran Jonas ensured at all times West Indies were behind the required rate. A hard-fought win took New Zealand to the final against South Africa.
The Bottom Line
New Zealand defeat West Indies to seal their passage into the final. Having set a target of 129, New Zealand needed to bowl and field well to defend on a difficult Sharjah surface. The Eden Carson spell proved to be the clincher, taking the important wickets of Joseph, Campbell, and Taylor to cripple the West Indies middle order.
Zaida James’ late cameo of 14 from 8 balls brought tension, but New Zealand’s composure under pressure would prevail. This win would now send them towards the final showdown against South Africa in hopes of winning this T20 World Cup.
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