New Zealand Reaches Women's World Cup Final After 14 Years, Defeating West Indies

New Zealand has made it to the final of the Women’s World Cup after a thrilling 8-run victory over West Indies in the semifinals. The Kiwis last played in the final in 2010.

On Friday at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 128 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, West Indies could only manage 120 runs.

The New Zealand openers got off to a solid start, with Suzie Bates scoring 26 runs off 28 balls and Georgia Plimmer contributing 33 runs off 31 balls. Brooky Haliday scored 18 runs off 9 balls, while Isabella Gaze added 20 runs off 14 balls. However, no other batsman made a significant contribution, and New Zealand was restricted to 128 runs.

Dottin was the standout bowler for West Indies, taking 4 wickets for just 22 runs.

Chasing a target of 129 runs, the two Caribbean openers began cautiously, but the top order collapsed, losing 5 wickets for just 63 runs. Under pressure, Dendrin Dottin hit 3 sixes in the 16th over, bringing West Indies back into the match.

In the last 4 overs, West Indies needed 34 runs to win. However, Dottin was dismissed for 33 runs off 22 balls. Affy Fletcher and Zaida James continued to fight for victory, with James scoring 14 runs off 8 balls before getting out. Unfortunately, West Indies couldn't secure the win and finished at 120 runs, losing 8 wickets.

New Zealand will face South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup final on October 20