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After a 14-year break, New Zealand defeated the 2016 champion West Indies by eight runs in a low-scoring thriller played in Sharjah to advance to the Women’s T20 World Cup final. When the event is poised for a first-time champion, New Zealand will face South Africa, the runners-up from the 2023 edition.
Sophie Devine’s team chose to bat first, and despite the pitch not favouring the ball hitting the bat, they puffed and puffered their way to 128 for 9. West Indies’ top player, Deandra Dottin, took 4 for 22. The West Indies’ pursuit, however, did not materialise as planned as Eden Carson and company held them to 25 for 2 during the powerplay.
Despite their best efforts, Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor could only muster a combined total of 28 from 41 balls. West Indies were already down 51 for 4, needing 78 from 55. Once more, Dottin kept the West Indies competitive. Her displays of skill, including a 22-ball 33 in which she struck three sixes in an over off Lea Tahuhu, reduced the equation from 24 to 34. However, Dottin’s innings was cut short in the 17th over when Amelia Kerr, this World Cup’s highest wicket-taker, top-edged a sweep to short fine leg.
New Zealand were not flawless, having dropped five catches in the field, but their bowlers found a way to stop West Indies to 120 for 8.
Prior to the semi-final in this period, Carson had claimed four of her five wickets as New Zealand’s go-to powerplay bowler. She set the tone with the ball on Friday as well. The offspinner bowled a length ball on middle that spun past the batter’s swipe to knock her stumps after giving up two fours to Qiana Joseph. As Carson darted one full and wide of off, Shemaine Campbelle stepped out and miscued one towards extra cover, where Suzie Bates grabbed a diving catch, and soon 16 for no loss became 20 for 2.
When Matthews and Taylor hit fours apiece to quicken the pace in the ninth over, Carson returned. However, the offspinner got the last laugh, bowling Taylor for a 20-ball 13 after she misjudged a slog sweep.
The fact that Dottin was only bowling in this T20 World Cup for the second time was irrelevant. It was not an easy pitch to bat on, but she used her ten years of experience. She typically bowled full and straight, combining deftly with slower deliveries to cause trouble for New Zealand. Kerr was struck out for seven by Dottin’s second ball. However, the innings was saved by the fast starts of Devine and Brooke Halliday, who combined to score 27 off the following 14 balls.
It appeared as though New Zealand had lost its way. However, they were able to squeeze out 24 runs from the final three overs, which ultimately proved to be the difference.