Women’s T20 World Cup: New Zealand beat West Indies by eight runs

Sharjah, UAE – New Zealand secured their spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a thrilling eight-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah on Friday. Despite a brilliant all-round performance from Deandra Dottin, the White Ferns held their composure to book a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.

Batting first, New Zealand posted 128-9, with contributions from Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33), who added 48 for the opening stand. However, the innings stalled as Dottin took control with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 4-22, removing key batters Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, and Rosemary Mair. Some late hitting from Isabella Gaze, who scored 20 off 14 balls, gave New Zealand a competitive total to defend.

West Indies’ chase faltered early, with captain Hayley Matthews departing for 15. However, Dottin kept her side in the hunt, smashing three sixes in a quickfire 33 off 22 balls. When she was dismissed, Afy Fletcher (17*), and Zaida James (14) fought bravely but couldn’t quite get their side over the line, with West Indies finishing at 120-8.

New Zealand’s Eden Carson was named Player of the Match for her crucial 3-29 in four overs, helping her team edge into the final. The White Ferns will now face South Africa, who knocked out defending champions Australia in the other semi-final, in a much-anticipated showdown in Dubai.