New Zealand secured a nail-biting 8-run victory over West Indies in the 2nd semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. After electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a modest total of 128/9 in their 20 overs. Despite some strong individual performances from West Indies, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they defended their score and booked their place in the final.

Mixed contributions guide New Zealand to a competitive total

Batting first, New Zealand Women struggled to build significant partnerships, but crucial contributions from Georgia Plimmer (33 off 31), Suzie Bates (26 off 28), and Brooke Halliday (18 off 9) helped them reach 128/9. Plimmer anchored the innings with a solid knock, including three boundaries and a six, while Halliday provided a late burst to add quick runs. Izzy Gaze also chipped in with 20 runs off 14 balls, playing a handy role towards the end.

West Indies bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Deandra Dottin leading the charge. She delivered an exceptional spell, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs in her 4 overs, including the crucial dismissals of Bates and Plimmer. Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack also contributed, picking up 2/23 and 1/11, respectively, to keep the Kiwi batters in check.

West Indies fall short despite Deandra Dottin’s heroics

In response, West Indies started their chase cautiously but struggled to find momentum against a tight New Zealand bowling attack. Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph tried to give the team a steady start, but regular wickets halted their progress. The key moment came when Dottin, who scored a brisk 33 off 22 balls, was dismissed, leaving West Indies needing quick runs in the final overs. Despite a late attempt by Fletcher (17 off 15) and Zaida James (14 off 8), West Indies fell short, finishing at 120/8 after 20 overs.

New Zealand’s bowlers displayed excellent control, with Eden Carson being the standout performer. Her spell of 3 wickets for 29 runs turned the game in favor of the Kiwis, earning her the Player of the Match award. Amelia Kerr also shone with figures of 2/14, while Fran Jonas and Bates picked up a wicket each to stifle the West Indies chase.

Also WATCH: Deandra Dottin cleans up Brooke Halliday with an inch-perfect yorker in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Eden Carson’s all-round bowling effort seals the win

Carson’s performance was pivotal in New Zealand’s victory. She bowled accurately under pressure, breaking crucial partnerships and restricting West Indies’ scoring opportunities. Her three-wicket haul, combined with Kerr’s economical spell, was instrumental in defending New Zealand’s modest total and guiding them to a hard-fought 8-run win.

New Zealand will now head to the final where they will meet South Africa and both sides will be hoping to lift the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Second @aramco POTM award in as many matches – take a bow, Eden Carson 👏
#T20WorldCup | #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/vnpyaKFpYZ

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 18, 2024

New Zealand making it to Women’s T20 WC Final

✅ 2009 (inaugural edition)
✅ 2010 (second edition)
✅ 2024

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 18, 2024

New Zealand are into #T20WorldCup final 👏#WIvNZ #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/L2PAIBNjMr #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/XeiMB55yaT

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 18, 2024

WI fought all the way to the end in a thriller.💥

Maroon Warriors, WI are proud of you.❤️#WIBelieve | #MaroonWarriors pic.twitter.com/zPB2a7Zy3j

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) October 18, 2024

Wow! What a call to bring Suzie Bates on for the final over. Heartbreaking for WI but you’ve got to hand it to NZ. Bates and Devine finally get their shot at the big one. A hot streak SA stand in their way. The final should be a cracker! #T20WorldCup

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) October 18, 2024

New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu bowling to West Indies’ Afy Fletcher in the #T20WorldCup semi-final:

̶M̶o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶b̶a̶t̶t̶l̶e̶s̶ ❌

Battle of the mothers ✅#NZvWI #WIvNZ

— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) October 18, 2024

New Zealand Women had lost 10 Consecutive T20 Matches before T20 World Cup,
And Now into the Finals…🙌🏼
Well played Deandra Dottin..🔥#WIvNZ #NZvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/aTYeWn8Aob

— Artistic Soul (@dr_artisticsoul) October 18, 2024

Standing ovation for Deandra Dottin who has been utterly fantastic with ball and bat today @sportstarweb #WIvNZ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6oQseUANUs

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) October 18, 2024

New Zealand has qualified into the Finals of ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. 🇳🇿🔥🔥

They will play their first ever World Cup final against South Africa on Sunday in dubai. 🏆👊#WIvNZ #WIWvNZW #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2024 #WomensT20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/FTmqSFY1sI

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) October 18, 2024

New Zealand’s remarkable journey to the T20 World Cup final, despite entering the tournament on a 10-match losing streak, showcases their resilience and ability to rise under pressure, turning adversity into triumph at the most critical moment.#WIvsNZ #WIvNZ #NZvsWI pic.twitter.com/g6DsQZS8Ah

— Mangleshwar Yadav (@CrickTak) October 18, 2024

Also READ: BCCI announces India squad for Women ODIs against New Zealand; includes 4 uncapped players

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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