Aayal QureshiSharjah: New Zealand’s women’s cricket team advanced to the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time in 14 years, defeating West Indies by eight runs in a thrilling semifinal match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Suzie Bates was the hero of the final over, holding her nerve with the ball to secure New Zealand’s place in the final. West Indies needed 15 runs off the last over to win, but Bates (1-6) managed to take a wicket and allowed just six runs. This performance sealed a dramatic win for the White Ferns, who restricted West Indies to 120-8 in their chase of 129.
Eden Carson was instrumental in New Zealand’s defense, claiming 3-29, while Amelia Kerr provided excellent support with 2-14. The disciplined bowling effort compensated for a modest total of 128-9 set by New Zealand after opting to bat first. Georgia Plimmer top-scored with a 31-ball 33, and Bates added 26 runs to the scoreboard during a solid opening partnership of 48 runs with Plimmer.
West Indies’ Deandra Dottin stood out with an all-round performance, taking 4-22 and smashing 33 off 22 balls in an attempt to chase down the total. Dottin’s explosive batting, which included three sixes, threatened to turn the game in West Indies’ favor, but New Zealand’s bowlers held firm. Amelia Kerr’s crucial dismissal of Dottin in the 17th over shifted the momentum back to New Zealand.
Despite some late resistance from West Indies, Bates dismissed Zaida James in the final over to clinch the victory.
New Zealand, twice runners-up in 2009 and 2010, will now face South Africa in Sunday’s final at Dubai. South Africa secured their place after a stunning upset of defending champions Australia in the other semifinal, winning by eight wickets.
Both teams will be vying for their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title, ensuring that a new champion will be crowned.
Key Performers:
- New Zealand: Eden Carson (3-29), Amelia Kerr (2-14), Georgia Plimmer (33)
- West Indies: Deandra Dottin (4-22 & 33 runs), Afy Fletcher (2-23)
