New Zealand women have secured a spot in the Women's T20 World Cup finals for the third time after edging out West Indies by 8 runs in a thrilling semi-final on Friday, October 18, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. (Match Highlights)
Winning the toss, captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first, posting a total of 128/9 in 20 overs. At times, it seemed modest, especially given the aggressive start from the Windies women. But by the end, the Kiwi bowlers executed a brilliant strategy, restricting Hayley Matthews' side to 120/8 in their 20 overs.
The match saw extraordinary bowling by off-spinner Eden Carson (3/29) who dented West Indies with early blows, Amelia Kerr's (2/14) leg-breaks along with prized wicket of Deandra Dottin played her part splendidly.
The duo accounted for 20 opposition wickets (Carson's 8 and Kerr's 12) in the tournament and been lethal weapons for New Zealand in the entire tournament.
The Beijing Olympian Suzie Bates, bowled the final over with 15 needed, limiting the opponents to score only seven runs to seal the win for New Zealand.
Earlier in the game, one of the best all orunder so of the WIndies women Dottin, bowled both conventional and wide yorkers with lot of precision to end up with 4/22. With most of the deliveries holding up, it became easier for Dottin to vary the pace making life difficult for opposition batters.
With this loss, the West Indies have now suffered five defeats in Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals, having clinched the title only once in 2016. Meanwhile, New Zealand advance to the finals for the third time, making appearances back in the inaugural tournament and again in 2010.
After the grand victory in Sharjah, New Zealand set the stage for a clash against South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 finals set to take place on October 20, Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 128/9; 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 33; Deandra Dottin 4/22) b West Indies 120/8; 20 overs (Dottin 33; Eden Carson 3/29) by eight runs.
(With PTI inputs)
