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New Zealand beat West Indies by eight runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday, October 18. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted this thrilling contest.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand managed to reach a respectable total of 128/9 in 20 overs on a tricky surface. Georgia Plimmer (33), Suzie Bates (26), and Isabella Gaze (20) chipped for them in the batting department. Deandra Dottin starred for West Indies with the ball by picking up four wickets.
Eden Carson (3/29) and Amelia Kerr (2/14) then spun a web around the West Indies batters. They played a crucial role in restricting them to 120/8 in 20 overs, helping their side over the line. After a brilliant spell in the first innings, Deandra Dottin played a cameo of 33 (22). However, she could not take her team home in the chase as she did not get much support from others.
New Zealand players and their support staff were expectedly elated after the last ball of the match as they rang in celebrations of qualification into the World Cup final.
You can watch the celebrations by the players and support staff members in the videos below:
"Really privileged to have this incredible opportunity"- New Zealand captain Sophie Devine after win vs West Indies in the semi-final of ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2024
At the post-match presentation ceremony, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine reflected on the special victory and said:
"It hasn't sunk it at all yet. Still getting my brain out from being fried in the middle. Really privileged to have this incredible opportunity. The last few overs saved the bacon for us. We felt we were a bit under par. But the way Izzi batted at the end and scraped through a few extra runs. We thought 130 would be a competitive total. But the highest here was 127 so we knew we were in with a great shout."
She continued:
"We have got nothing to lose and that's a pretty good space to be in. South Africa are an incredible side. The way Laura Wolvaardt leads them... then Kapp and Bosch... but we'll focus on ourselves. Hopefully the cricket gods will favor us too."
New Zealand will lock horns with South Africa in the summit clash of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday (October 20) in Dubai. There will be a first-time winner this time, as both teams have not won the trophy yet.
