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New Zealand Women secured a thrilling 8-run victory over West Indies Women in the second semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. This victory propelled the White Ferns into the final, where they will face South Africa Women on Sunday, October 20. The final will crown a new champion, as the previous three title holders - England, Australia, and West Indies - have been eliminated from the tournament.
New Zealand storm into Women's T20 World Cup final
Sophie Devine's team successfully defended their lowly 128-run total and restricted former champions for 120/8 to make it to the final. West Indies Women, who topped the group stage, were hoping to replicate their 2016 World Cup triumph. Despite a valiant effort from Deandra Dottin, who took a brilliant four-fer, they fell short against New Zealand.
Deandra Dottin's fantastic four-fer in vain
New Zealand Women didn't get off to best of the start as they could only score 32 runs in the powerplay. However, openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer laid a solid foundation, putting on a 48-run partnership. Bates, in her 333rd international appearance, was dismissed by Ramharack after scoring 26 runs.
Following Bates' dismissal, New Zealand's momentum slowed down, and they struggled to accelerate their innings. Plimmer, top-scoring with 33 runs, was eventually dismissed by Afy Fletcher. Fletcher's impressive bowling figures of 3/23 put pressure on the White Ferns. However, it was Deandra Dottin who truly turned the tide for West Indies. With her exceptional bowling performance of 4/22, Dottin restricted New Zealand to just 30 runs in their final five overs. Despite cameos from Izzy Gaze and Brooke Halliday, New Zealand's total of 128 runs was below par.
West Indies crumble under pressure in lowly chase
West Indies Women faced a challenging task of chasing down 129 runs, and their innings was plagued by early setbacks. Eden Carson, the New Zealand off-spinner, proved to be a thorn in their side, dismissing key players like Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle, and Stafanie Taylor in quick succession. West Indies found themselves in a precarious position, reduced to 25/2 in the powerplay.
The situation worsened when Chinelle Henry was ruled out due to an injury, forcing Chedean Nation to come in as a concussion substitute. The required run rate steadily increased, reaching above eight runs per over at the halfway stage.
Lea Tahuhu dealt a significant blow to West Indies by dismissing Hayley Matthews, who scored a gritty 15 runs. The onus then fell on Deandra Dottin to revive the chase. Dottin displayed her aggressive intent, smashing two sixes in the 16th over. However, her valiant effort was not enough, as Kerr dismissed her, effectively ending West Indies' hopes. In the end, West Indies could only manage 120/8, falling short by eight runs.
