New Zealand Edge West Indies to Reach T20 World Cup Final

New Zealand edged out the West Indies in a thrilling contest to secure their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final, clinching an eight-run victory in Sharjah on Friday.

After Deandra Dottin’s superb bowling performance, where she claimed 4-22 to restrict the White Ferns to a modest total of 128-9, the West Indies seemed poised to chase down the target.

Dottin then led the charge with the bat, smashing 33 runs off 22 balls, including three sixes, but her efforts fell just short as West Indies finished on 120-8.

New Zealand’s reward is a showdown with South Africa, who caused a major upset by eliminating defending champions Australia in the other semifinal, in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

The White Ferns’ innings got off to a solid start with Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33) forming a steady opening partnership of 48 runs.

However, once Dottin entered the attack, New Zealand’s batting faltered.

She dismissed Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday (who made a quickfire 18), Maddy Green, and Rosemary Mair, leaving the Kiwis struggling to set a big total.

Some late-order hitting from Isabella Gaze, who struck 20 from 14 balls, allowed New Zealand to post a defendable score.

In reply, West Indies’ chase was off to a shaky start, with the New Zealand bowlers maintaining tight lines.

West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthews appeared to slip away from the match when she was dismissed for just 15 runs.

Dottin, however, kept her team in the hunt, blasting three sixes as she raced to 33 from 22 balls.

“When she fell, Afy Fletcher (17 not out) and Zaida James (14) continued the fight, but New Zealand held their nerve and secured the win in the final over.”

Eden Carson, New Zealand’s off-spinner, won Player of the Match for her outstanding performance with the ball, taking 3-29 from her four overs.