New Zealand Women Secure Spot in T20 World Cup Final, Set to Face South Africa
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| The 2nd Semi-Final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 was played between New Zealand Women (NZW) and West Indies Women (WIW), with NZW winning by 8 runs. / Getty |
In a thrilling semi-final clash, New Zealand Women edged past West Indies Women by 8 runs to book their place in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. In a match filled with tension and drama, the White Ferns held their nerves to ensure they will face South Africa Women in the final on Sunday, setting up a battle for a new champion in the tournament.
Opting to bat first,
New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 128/9, thanks to crucial contributions from Georgia Plimmer (33 off 31) and a late cameo from Isabella Gaze (20* off 14). Despite struggling in the middle overs, New Zealand's batters managed to push their score towards a par total on a tricky pitch. West Indies' Deandra Dottin was the standout bowler, finishing with excellent figures of 4/22, but her efforts couldn't prevent New Zealand from setting a defendable target.
In response,
West Indies Women faltered in the powerplay, losing both openers cheaply. The top order struggled to build momentum, leaving the burden on Dottin once again. She delivered a brief but impactful knock, smashing 33 off 22 balls, including three sixes, but her dismissal by Amelia Kerr proved to be the turning point. West Indies never recovered and despite a fighting spirit, they fell just short, closing at 120/8 after 20 overs. Eden Carson shone with the ball for New Zealand, claiming 3/29 in her four overs and was named Player of the Match.
Captain Sophie Devine praised her team’s resilience in defending the low total, while also crediting Dottin and Matthews for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Devine's decision to give Suzie Bates the final over proved decisive, as Bates' experience helped New Zealand hold off a late charge from the West Indies.
West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews expressed her pride in her team’s effort, acknowledging that their batting struggled to find momentum. Despite the loss, she praised Dottin’s all-round performance and highlighted the unexpected success of the squad, who defied external expectations to reach the semi-finals.
With this victory, New Zealand will now face South Africa Women in the final, where both sides will be gunning for their first-ever T20 World Cup title. The stage is set for an electrifying contest, with New Zealand seeking to avenge past disappointments and South Africa aiming to cap off a remarkable tournament campaign.
The final showdown will take place on Sunday, and cricket fans are in for a spectacular end to what has been an unforgettable tournament.
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| Eden Carson was awarded the Player of the Match for her crucial bowling performance. / Getty |
Key Stats:
- Player of the Match: Eden Carson (3/29)
- Top Scorer (New Zealand): Georgia Plimmer (33 off 31)
- Top Scorer (West Indies): Deandra Dottin (33 off 22)
- Best Bowler (West Indies): Deandra Dottin (4/22)
The final promises to be an exhilarating contest, with both teams eager to claim their maiden World Cup crown.