By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Sharjah, UAE (18-10-2024): New Zealand reached their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in 14 years with a hard-fought eight-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah.
Deandra Dottin’s brilliant bowling performance (4 for 22) repeatedly halted New Zealand’s progress, as Georgia Plimmer’s top score of 33 helped the White Ferns post a modest 128 for nine. In reply, the West Indies struggled against a strong bowling attack led by Eden Carson, who dismantled their top order. Despite a late surge from Dottin, New Zealand held their nerve to secure the win.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat, New Zealand made a slow start, reaching 16 without loss by the end of the fourth over. Chinelle Henry bowled her entire quota of four overs up front, restricting New Zealand to 24 runs. The breakthrough came when Karishma Ramharack bowled Suzie Bates for 26, leaving New Zealand at 48 for one.
Georgia Plimmer showed intent, smashing a six that narrowly cleared Henry, who struggled with the floodlights. Henry then had to leave the field for a concussion assessment, and this brief disruption appeared to unsettle New Zealand more than the West Indies. Dottin soon struck, dismissing Amelia Kerr for her first wicket and having Plimmer stumped five balls later, reducing New Zealand to 69 for three in the 13th over.
A solid partnership between captain Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday brought some stability, as they took 12 runs off Afy Fletcher’s over and did the same against Aaliyah Alleyne, pushing New Zealand into a more comfortable position. However, Dottin returned to stifle their momentum once again, bowling Halliday for 18 and dismissing Maddy Green as New Zealand collapsed to 102 for six.
Dottin claimed her fourth wicket by removing Rosemary Mair, as New Zealand lost four wickets for just eight runs in a dramatic collapse. Izzy Gaze steadied the innings in the final overs, ensuring the White Ferns reached 128 for nine.
In response, the West Indies started cautiously, with Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph taking their time at the crease. Joseph showed intent with two boundaries off Carson, but the young spinner had the last laugh, bowling her for 12. Carson struck again, dismissing Shemaine Campbelle to leave the West Indies at 25 for two after the powerplay.
Carson continued her outstanding performance, claiming her third wicket by dismissing the dangerous Stafanie Taylor, leaving the West Indies at a precarious 48 for three at the halfway stage.
Captain Hayley Matthews fell shortly after, miscuing a shot off Lea Tahuhu straight into the hands of Kerr, leaving the run chase in Dottin’s hands. The ‘World Boss’ struggled initially, and although she was dropped twice, the required run rate kept rising.
Despite a few powerful sixes from Dottin that gave the West Indies hope, Kerr responded by dismissing her for 33 off 22 balls, effectively ending the chase. With 15 runs needed from the final over, Suzie Bates bowled her first World Cup over in eight years, holding her nerve to see New Zealand through to Sunday’s final.
New Zealand will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday, with a new name set to be engraved on the T20 World Cup trophy.
Match Summary
New Zealand: 128/9 in 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 33, Suzie Bates 26; Deandra Dottin 4/22, Afy Fletcher 2/23)
West Indies: 120/7 in 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 33, Afy Fletcher 17*; Eden Carson 3/29, Amelia Kerr 2/14)
Result: New Zealand won by eight runs