New Zealand Women Beat West Indies Women: New Zealand Women record a sensational 8-run win over West Indies Women in the 2nd semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 to storm into the final of the mega event. The White Ferns will now face South Africa Women for the ultimate prize on Sunday, as we are now guaranteed to crown a new champion after England Women; Australia Women; and West Indies Women.
Managing merely 128/9 in their 20 overs on a slow surface of Sharjah, the White Ferns did extremely well to defend the total, and inspite of the late scare given by veteran Deandra Dottin, New Zealand Women managed to hold their nerves in the final stages, and defended 34 off 24 successfully.
West Indies Women, the 2016 champions, were far from their best tonight, and only Deandra Dottin looked like a complete threat to Kiwis, as she recorded 4 wickets for 22 runs in her 4 overs, alongside smashing 33 off 22, which included 3 sixes.
An emotional Eden Carson reflects on the result, as she was awarded the Player of the Match.
"Thank you. Awesome. A bit emotional but really proud of the girls. Honestly, when Deandra Dottin was absolutely smacking us, we stayed together and happy to get across the line. I think we had to defend another low total. We had to take early wickets against West Indies as they are a dangerous side. We saw how the West Indies bowled. They bowled back of the length deliveries. We bowled a touch fuller but it was okay," said the New Zealand Women cricketer.
Here's What Sophie Devine Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremony
Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women Captain):
"I think it hasn't sunk in yet for us. Still trying to get my brain back but privileged to play a World Cup Final. Look, I feel the last two three overs with the bat saved us probably. The way Isabella batted in the fag end of the Innings was simply brilliant. We were thinking that we would be short of a par total but ending up with 128 on the board was really good for us."
"We knew we were in with a great shout, we knew the wicket here would be tough to chase and with the ball if we can pick wickets, we were always in the game. If you have Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin at the other end, you always have to be on your toes."
"Oh, she is a quality player. She can clear the ropes with ease. We wanted to keep things simple, bowl to our plans and it worked out for us. Full credit to the West Indies because I feel they were outstanding in this tournament. The way Deandra came out of her retirement and also the way Hayley led this side was simply incredible. We always knew it would be a tough game for us."
"Look, I thought of Brooke Halliday as well, to take the pace of the ball but Suzie has practiced these situations a lot. When you have that sort of experience, with 3 fielders only outside the circle, it requires clutch mentality. Really happy to throw the ball to her and get the job done for us."
"We have nothing to lose pretty much, we will celebrate this one today and then be ready for the final. Well they are an incredible side, the way Laura Wolvaardt has led the side, they have the experience of Marizanne Kapp too. We have to be at our best and fingers crossed lets hope we can get over the line on Sunday too."