New Zealand secured their place in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating the West Indies in the second semifinal.
This marks the third time New Zealand has reached the final of the tournament.
In the match held in Sharjah, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer built a solid 48-run partnership for the first wicket. Plimmer scored 33, while Bates contributed 26. Despite a middle-order collapse, New Zealand managed to post 128/9 in their 20 overs, with Isabella Gaze remaining unbeaten on 20. Deandra Dottin was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 4 wickets.
Chasing 129, the West Indies began their innings with Hayley Matthews and Kycia Joseph. The opening pair added 16 runs before Joseph was dismissed for 12. Despite contributions from Stefanie Taylor (13) and Matthews (15), the West Indies fell short, scoring 120/8 in 20 overs.
New Zealand won the match by 8 runs, advancing to the final where they will face South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Neither New Zealand nor South Africa has won a Women’s T20 World Cup title, ensuring that the tournament will crown a first-time champion.
