West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women, 2nd Semi Final ICC Womens T20 World Cup, 2024

New Zealand secured a thrilling eight-run victory over West Indies in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, advancing to their first final since 2010. The White Ferns, led by crucial contributions from Georgia Plimmer and Eden Carson, held their nerve to overcome the Windies in a tense contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, New Zealand posted a modest total of 128/9 from their 20 overs. The star of the innings for the West Indies was all-rounder Deandra Dottin, whose impressive bowling figures of 4/22 stifled the New Zealand batters. Georgia Plimmer top-scored for New Zealand with 33, while Suzie Bates chipped in with 26.

New Zealand’s innings started slowly, managing just 16 runs from the first four overs. West Indies pacer Chinelle Henry delivered a tight spell of 24 runs from her four overs, while Karishma Ramharack made an immediate impact, bowling Suzie Bates and ending her composed knock of 26, leaving New Zealand at 48/1. Dottin’s introduction to the attack caused further damage, dismissing Amelia Kerr and Plimmer in quick succession to halt New Zealand’s momentum.

Dottin’s heroics continued as she removed Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green, reducing New Zealand to 102/6. The White Ferns collapsed late in the innings, losing four wickets for just eight runs, but Izzy Gaze managed to stabilize the innings and guide her side to 128.

In response, West Indies struggled to build a solid foundation. Eden Carson proved to be the key player for New Zealand, taking 3/29, including the crucial wicket of Hayley Matthews. Carson’s early strikes derailed the Windies' chase, as they were reduced to 25/2 after the powerplay, seven runs behind New Zealand’s pace.

Despite a late flurry from Dottin, who smashed three towering sixes in a counterattacking knock of 33 from 22 balls, West Indies fell short. Amelia Kerr dismissed Dottin in the 17th over, effectively ending West Indies’ hopes. A disciplined final over from Suzie Bates, bowling her first World Cup over in eight years, sealed New Zealand’s place in the final.

New Zealand will now face South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final on Sunday, ensuring a new name will be engraved on the trophy.

Score Summary:

New Zealand: 128/9 in 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 33, Suzie Bates 26; Deandra Dottin 4/22, Afy Fletcher 2/23)
West Indies: 120/7 in 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 33, Afy Fletcher 17 not out; Eden Carson 3/29, Amelia Kerr 2/14)

Result: New Zealand won by 8 runs.