ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Semi-Final 2: Both New Zealand and West Indies entered the tournament with low expectations, but defied the odds by beating the top teams of their respective groups. Now, they are facing a crucial semifinal clash for a coveted position in the final.
Mark your calendars 🗓️
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2024
The #T20WorldCup 2024 semi-finals are locked in 🔒
Details 👉 https://t.co/Q4umt6R6pP pic.twitter.com/39v4VvhR9j
Historic Context And Team Journeys
For New Zealand, this will be their first semifinal appearance since 2016, while the West Indies return to the semifinals for the first time since 2018. New Zealand hasn’t made it to the final since they were runners-up in the first two editions in 2009 and 2010. On the other hand, the West Indies have only managed to reach the final once, winning it in 2016. Of course, that was also the championship year they defeated New Zealand in the semis, so a revenge match promises to be exciting to watch.
New Zealand T20 World Cup Form
New Zealand looks to have played best for themselves in the initial stages and has done pretty well against India. Their tactical approach came into play in the group stages when they needed to win against a mighty India or Australia. They lost against Australia but picked up good wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to reach the semis.
West Indies Miraculous Comeback
The West Indies had a disastrous start, losing their opener to South Africa by 10 wickets, which almost snuffed out their hopes. But they bounced back quite impressively, winning three consecutive against Scotland, Bangladesh, and, finally, England, which they hadn’t beaten since the T20Is back in 2019. Determined force, the Caribbean team arrived at the semis with renewed confidence.
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Players To Watch Out For
It has been a joint effort, and New Zealand has seen good contributions from Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates at the top of the order while Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Brooke Halliday have added more colors to the batting line-up. Their bowling attack has been par to their brawn, where bowlers have played their cards properly.
West Indies too have had a few batting heroes-some of whom came good in the very first game, notably Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and Deandra Dottin. Captain Hayley Matthews has come back to form, especially so in driving an essential half-century against England; Qiana Joseph hit a crucial fifty under pressure, thus promisingly taking that onto the field despite some little experience.
Match Details
Date & Time: Friday, October 18 at 6:00 PM Local Time
Location: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pitch Conditions And Expectations
Historically, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been a bowler’s haven, and even Australia is the only team to have scored more than 145 against the hosts twice. Although India could muster just 142 against Australia and failed, most teams have been unlucky to reach the mark of 125 at Sharjah. Conditions: Slow and Low. But then, with Australia posting 150-plus runs lately, hope seems to have been revived that the pitch may offer some support to the batsmen in this all-important semifinal.
Probable Playing XI
West Indies Probable XI: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack.
New Zealand Probable XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
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