New Zealand survive Deandra Dottin scare to secure final spot in 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup

New Zealand stormed into the final of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating the West Indies by eight runs in the semi-final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 18. The White Ferns returned to the final of the Mega for the first time, having finished runners-up in 2009 and 2010. In the final, Sophie Devine and Co. will face Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa.

West Indies vs New Zealand, Women’s T20 World Cup Highlights

The White Ferns came into the tournament with ten straight defeats in T20Is, but that was them unstoppable after their 58-run win against India. The West Indies topped the points table in the group stage and kept their dream of repeating their 2016 heroics alive. Deandra Dottin tried her heart out, with both bat and ball, but her efforts were in vain.

Deandra Dottin keeps New Zealand in check

New Zealand started cautiously, scoring just 32 runs in the powerplay. But their openers, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, didn’t throw away their wickets. The duo added 48 runs for the opening wicket in 8.2 overs before Ramharack dismissed Bates, who scored 26 in her 333rd international appearance, the most alongside former India captain Mithali Raj.

From there the White Ferns lost their way, climbing to 128 for nine. Plimmer eventually got the better of Afy Fletcher after top scoring with 33 from 31 balls. Fletcher finished the game with a record of 3-0-23-2, but it was Deandra Dottin who slowed down New Zealand’s innings.

Complete coverage of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

With figures of 4-0-22-4, the World Boss ensured that Devine and Co. could only score 30 runs in their last five overs. Devine scored a run-a-ball 12 before Fletcher dismissed her. There were cameos from Izzy Gaze (20*) and Brooke Halliday who took New Zealand past the 120-run mark.

The West Indies collapse under the pressure

The West Indies struggled throughout their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Off-spinner Eden Carson kept the batters quiet after dismissing Qiana Joseph (12), Shemaine Campbelle (3) and Stafanie Taylor (13) in quick succession. The West Indies were under immense pressure in their run chase after being reduced to 25 for two in the powerplay.

The fact that Chinelle Henry left the game after sustaining an injury attempting a catch didn’t help the Caribbean unit. Chedean Nation, who had previously been replaced by Taylor, was substituted due to a concussion. By halftime the required set had risen to over eight.

Lea Tahuhu delivered the body hit after sending back Matthews, who made a painful 15 from 21 balls. The responsibility then fell to Dottin to steer West Indies over the finish line. But Dottin was in no mood to throw in the towel and hit Tahuhu for two consecutive sixes in the 16th over.

Dottin scored 33 runs off 22 balls with three sixes, but Kerr dismissed her to put the final nail in the coffin. After Dottin died, things went downhill pretty quickly for the West Indies. With 15 runs needed after the last over, West Indies could reach 120 for eight runs.