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The second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 saw a thrilling performance from West Indies star Deandra Dottin, whose remarkable four-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 128/9 in their 20 overs. Dottin’s experience and prowess on the field were crucial in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup, making her the standout player of the match.
Dottin, who had previously announced her retirement from international cricket in 2022, made a triumphant return to the West Indies squad for this World Cup. Her inclusion turned out to be a game-changer, particularly in this semi-final encounter where her sharp bowling caught New Zealand off guard. With figures of 4/22, she made significant breakthroughs at crucial moments of the match, preventing New Zealand from gaining any momentum.
New Zealand, led by their skipper Sophie Devine, had a rough start and struggled to build partnerships after the early dismissals. Devine, known for her aggressive batting, could only manage a brief knock before falling victim to Dottin’s sharp bowling. Other key batters like Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr were also unable to anchor the innings, contributing to New Zealand’s struggles throughout the innings.
Despite New Zealand’s deep batting lineup, they were unable to post a commanding total. The pressure mounted with every dot ball, and the West Indian bowlers, led by Dottin, capitalized on their nerves. Dottin’s wickets came at pivotal stages, including the key dismissal of Bates, who looked like she could steer New Zealand towards a competitive total.
Dottin’s brilliant spell was complemented by her teammates, who fielded sharply and applied constant pressure. Chinelle Henry, who was involved in a collision earlier in the match while fielding, also bowled impressively despite the injury. New Zealand’s inability to score freely in the middle overs left them at a precarious position by the end of their innings, finishing at 128/9.
West Indies’ chase wasn’t without its challenges, but with a modest target, they looked confident from the start. Captain Hayley Matthews, who had been in superb form throughout the tournament, provided stability with the bat. Alongside Dottin’s contribution with the ball, Matthews took charge of the run chase, guiding her team toward the final. With West Indies in control, Dottin also added some crucial runs to seal the victory, showing her all-round brilliance in the match.
For New Zealand, this defeat was disappointing, as they had been one of the stronger teams throughout the group stages. Despite solid performances from players like Devine and Kerr earlier in the tournament, they couldn’t find their rhythm in this high-pressure match. Their inability to handle Dottin’s bowling was a major factor in their semi-final exit.
Dottin’s return to the international scene has been a significant boost for West Indies, who now look forward to the final with renewed confidence. Her performance in this match not only reaffirmed her status as one of the most dangerous all-rounders in the game but also proved that she is capable of turning the tide in critical moments. West Indies will certainly be counting on her experience and skills as they prepare for the title clash in the T20 World Cup final.
With her return to international cricket marked by such a spectacular performance, Dottin’s presence in the final could very well be the defining factor that leads West Indies to victory. As for New Zealand, they will need to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement, particularly in handling pressure during key matches.