In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand Women emerged victorious against West Indies Women by a slim margin of 8 runs. The 2nd semi-final, played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, showcased the fierce competition between two highly competitive teams. New Zealand held their nerves to book a spot in the final, where Eden Carson’s remarkable performance earned her the title of Player of the Match.
New Zealand’s Innings – A Hard-Fought 128/9
Batting first, New Zealand posted a modest total of 128/9 in their 20 overs. Despite a solid start from Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, who contributed 26 and 33 runs respectively, the New Zealand side struggled to build momentum after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Captain Sophie Devine added a quick 12 off 12 balls, while Brooke Halliday provided a brief burst of energy with 18 runs off just 9 deliveries, hitting two boundaries. Izzy Gaze, the wicketkeeper-batter, remained not out on 20 off 14 balls, hitting two boundaries as well. Deandra Dottin was the star bowler for the West Indies, finishing with impressive figures of 4/22, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order.
West Indies’ Bowling Attack – Dottin Leads the Way
West Indies’ bowlers kept New Zealand under pressure throughout the innings. While Chinelle Henry went wicketless but kept things tight, Zaida James and Karishma Ramharack grabbed one wicket each, maintaining their economy under control. The pick of the bowlers was undoubtedly Deandra Dottin, whose four-wicket haul restricted New Zealand’s progress, particularly in the death overs. Her ability to take crucial wickets at key moments kept West Indies in the hunt.
West Indies’ Run Chase – A Spirited Effort but Short
In response, West Indies Women fell just 8 runs short of the target, ending their innings at 120/8 after 20 overs. The innings lacked significant partnerships, which made the chase difficult. Captain Hayley Matthews was the first to fall, scoring just 15 runs off 21 deliveries. Although Qiana Joseph and Stefanie Taylor tried to steady the innings with scores of 12 and 13, the real spark came from Deandra Dottin. Her explosive 33 runs off just 22 balls, including three massive sixes, gave West Indies hope of reaching the target.
However, New Zealand’s bowling unit, led by Player of the Match Eden Carson, played a pivotal role in stifling the chase. Carson’s spell of 3/29, including the wickets of Joseph, Campbell, and Taylor, made her the standout performer. The remaining batters struggled to get going, with only Afy Fletcher managing 17 runs towards the end.
New Zealand’s Bowling – Carson Dominates
New Zealand’s bowlers kept their composure in defending a low total. Rosemary Mair and Fran Jonas opened the bowling with economical spells, but it was Eden Carson’s crucial breakthroughs that turned the match. She removed the West Indian top-order batters and effectively halted the chase, picking up 3 wickets. Melie Kerr provided ample support with her 2 wickets for just 14 runs.
West Indies fell short as they could not stitch together a significant partnership in the face of disciplined bowling from New Zealand.
A Thrilling Finish
As the match reached its final overs, West Indies needed quick runs, but New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerves. The fall of Deandra Dottin’s wicket at 96/6 was a significant blow for West Indies’ hopes. Despite a valiant effort from the lower order, the asking rate proved too high, and New Zealand clinched the game by a narrow margin of 8 runs.
Player of the Match: Eden Carson
Eden Carson’s all-round performance was instrumental in securing New Zealand’s victory. Although she didn’t score any runs with the bat, her brilliant spell with the ball, returning figures of 3/29, swung the match in New Zealand’s favor. Carson’s timely wickets, coupled with her tight bowling in the middle overs, earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
