Women's T20 World Cup semi-final: New Zealand to face South Africa in final after beating West Indies by eight runs
By Conor Keenan
Updated 18/10/2024 at 22:57 GMT+1
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New Zealand will face South Africa in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup after overcoming a valiant West Indies team by eight runs. West Indies' bowlers largely kept the White Ferns quiet during their stint at the crease, with the favourites setting a modest total of 128 in their 20 overs. Despite a strong knock from Deandra Dottin, the Windies could only manage 120 runs.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
New Zealand beat a resilient West Indies team by eight runs to set up a Women's T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
Georgia Plimmer’s 33 off 31 balls was the top score as New Zealand set an unspectacular but solid 128-9 in their 20 overs, hampered by Deandra Dottin’s 4-22 with ball in hand for the West Indies.
The West Indies bowling attack held a strong New Zealand batting line-up largely at bay, with the Kiwi batters struggling to gain any momentum and losing wickets at regular intervals.
With bat in hand, Dottin was the key figure in the West Indies run chase. She was dropped twice early in her innings: on seven by Rosemary Mair and 11 by Eden Carson.
New Zealand nerves were growing, just as Dottin was growing in confidence. The leading scorer of sixes in Women’s T20 World Cup history nailed a shot into the stands with just under five overs remaining before delivering two more maximums in the same over.
New Zealand were reeling, and a West Indies comeback that looked so unlikely midway through their run chase was now a genuine possibility – as long as Dottin remained in the middle.
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There were visible sighs of relief from the fielders upon her dismissal in the following over.
Amelia Kerr’s delivery was struck high into the air and eventually caught by Fran Jonas at fine leg. A devastated Dottin trudged back to the clubhouse and slumped in her chair.
West Indies needed 15 runs from the final over and started it perfectly with Zaida James smashing a four.
Two deliveries later, the dream was dead as the 19-year-old was bowled out for 14 by Sophie Devine.
The West Indies could only manage 120, and New Zealand secured their progression to the final, in which they will face South Africa at the International Stadium in Dubai.
Devine 'proud' of New Zealand team-mates
New Zealand captain Devine could hardly contain her excitement after leading her side to the final.
“It has not sunk in at all,” she said. “I’m still trying to get my brain back from being fried out there. Really privileged to be playing in a World Cup final.
“The thing that makes me proud is the character we have had for the last 12-18 months. Results have not gone our way, we have gotten a fair bit of stick from people on the outside.
“I’m really excited about this last match and we have nothing to lose, and that is a great space to be. We will celebrate this tonight, and we've got to win this now.
“They (South Africa) are an incredible side. Laura (Wolvaardt) leads them from the front, (Marizanne) Kapp is one of the best players in the world. (Anneke) Bosch in the game against Australia… but we have to focus on ourselves, and hope the cricketing gods are on our side as well.”
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