New Zealand Women posted a total of 128/9 in their 20 overs against West Indies Women in an exciting T20 match held on October 18, 2024. The innings had moments of promise and struggle, but they couldn’t fully capitalize. The top-order batters provided a decent start, but West Indies bowlers struck at key moments to keep New Zealand in check.
In the mandatory powerplay, New Zealand reached 32/0 in 6 overs, with their openers setting a solid foundation. However, they lost their first wicket at 50 in the 9th over. Drinks were called at the 10-over mark with New Zealand at 54/1, hoping for a strong finish.
Decision Against Maddy Kerr
The West Indies reviewed a leg-before-wicket decision against Maddy Kerr in the 11th over but were unsuccessful. Maddy Kerr survived again when C Henry dropped her on 5 in the following over. Despite these missed opportunities, West Indies managed to claw their way back into the game by picking up wickets at regular intervals.
At 100/5 in 15.3 overs, New Zealand was in a tricky situation and relied on their lower middle order to push the score. West Indies used their final review in the 17th over, this time successfully overturning a decision to dismiss Rosemary Mair for LBW. By the end of the innings, New Zealand Women could only manage 128/9, a target that was competitive but not overwhelming. Afy Fletcher and Deandra Dottin were the stars with the ball for West Indies, with Dottin taking 4 wickets for 22 runs.
Read: Pakistan Shaheens Gear Up for ACC Men’s Emerging Teams T20 Asia Cup 2024
In response, West Indies Women got off to a slower start, managing just 25/2 in the mandatory powerplay. New Zealand bowled tight lines, and early breakthroughs kept them in control. West Indies went into drinks at 48/3 after 10 overs. The pressure mounted as they lost another wicket shortly after drinks, with West Indies at 52/4 in the 11th over. Hayley Matthews played a gritty knock, smashing a few boundaries, but her departure in the 11th over, caught off Lea Tahuhu’s bowling, put West Indies in trouble at 51/4.
Deandra Dottin’s Stunning Performance
Deandra Dottin, however, gave West Indies hope with some stunning shots, hitting several sixes in quick succession off Lea Tahuhu’s bowling. In the 16th over, she smashed back-to-back sixes, collecting 23 runs in one over and changing the momentum of the game. At 95/5 after 16 overs, West Indies needed just over 30 runs from 24 balls.
Despite Dottin’s heroics, she was dismissed for 33 in the 17th over, caught by Fran Jonas off Melie Kerr’s bowling. With West Indies now at 96/6, it seemed like New Zealand had regained control. Chedean Nation followed Dottin back to the pavilion, out for 0 as West Indies found themselves at 97/7 in the 18th over.
Zaida James provided some hope with a boundary off Fran Jonas in the next over, but it was too little, too late. At the end of the 18th over, West Indies were 106/7, needing 23 runs off the last 12 balls. Ultimately, the pressure was too much, and West Indies fell short, ending their innings at 128/9, handing New Zealand a thrilling victory in a closely contested match.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates