West Indies stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a spectacular six-wicket win over England at the Dubai International Stadium. Led by brilliant half-centuries from Qiana Joseph (52) and Hayley Matthews (50), the 2016 champions comfortably chased down England’s target of 142 with two overs to spare, securing their place in the semi-finals alongside South Africa from Group B.
England’s Innings: Sciver-Brunt Stands Tall Amidst Wickets
- England’s openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gave their team a steady start, finding the boundary early on.
- However, the West Indies’ fielding brilliance turned the tide quickly. Deandra Dottin’s spectacular catch off Hayley Matthews' bowling removed Wyatt-Hodge for 16, followed by a run-out of Alice Capsey, reducing England to 34/3.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings with a determined 57 not out*, keeping the score ticking despite losing partners at the other end.
- England’s captain, Heather Knight, added a quick 21 before retiring hurt in the 13th over, which slowed their momentum slightly.
- Afy Fletcher was outstanding with the ball, taking 3/21, and Hayley Matthews chipped in with 2/35 to restrict England to a modest total of 141/7 in their 20 overs.
West Indies’ Chase: Joseph and Matthews Dominate
- Hayley Matthews started the chase explosively, hitting 14 runs off the very first over, including a towering six.
- Qiana Joseph joined the assault with a boundary off her first ball, and the duo powered West Indies to a blistering 44 runs from the first four overs.
- Despite some missed chances in the field by England, Matthews and Joseph continued their aggressive approach, with Joseph bringing up her first T20I fifty.
- The partnership ended when Joseph fell for 52, caught by Wyatt-Hodge on the boundary off Sciver-Brunt. Matthews soon followed after reaching her half-century, dismissed by Sarah Glenn.
- Although the two quick wickets slowed the scoring, Deandra Dottin’s quickfire 27 kept West Indies on track to victory.
Closing Moments: Dottin and Alleyne Seal the Deal
- With the target within reach, Shemaine Campbelle was run out for five, followed by Dottin being bowled by Sophie Ecclestone.
- Aaliyah Alleyne wasted no time, hitting four runs off her first delivery before finishing off the chase with two overs to spare.
- The victory meant that West Indies topped Group B, advancing to the semi-finals alongside South Africa.
Match Summary
England: 141/7 in 20 overs
- Top Performers: Nat Sciver-Brunt 57*, Heather Knight 21
- Best Bowlers: Afy Fletcher 3/21, Hayley Matthews 2/35
West Indies: 142/4 in 18 overs
- Top Performers: Qiana Joseph 52, Hayley Matthews 50
- Best Bowlers: Sarah Glenn 1/20, Sophie Ecclestone 1/21
Result: West Indies win by six wickets
Semifinal Lineup
- Semi Final 1: Australia (A1) vs. South Africa (B2) on October 17 in Dubai
- Semi Final 2: West Indies (B1) vs. New Zealand (A2) on October 18 in Sharjah
Qualification for the Next T20 World Cup
- Top six teams from this tournament (West Indies, South Africa, England, Australia, New Zealand, and India) have confirmed their spots in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Two more teams will qualify based on T20I rankings as of October 21, 2024, while the remaining four teams will secure their places through a global qualifier.
West Indies’ emphatic performance not only sealed their place in the semi-finals but also dashed England’s hopes of progressing in the tournament, showcasing the team’s power-packed batting and sharp fielding on a crucial day.
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