ICC Women T20 World Cup: NZ beat Windies to reach final

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin’s brilliance with bat and ball could not prevent New Zealand from sailing into the final of the women’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling eight-run victory in the second semifinal. Dottin claimed 4/22 and then returned to smash 33 but West Indies, chasing 129 for victory, managed 120/8.

New Zealand will clash with South Africa, who stunned defending champions Australia in the first semifinal, in Sunday’s final in Dubai, which will produce a new world champion.

Electing to bat, New Zealand could not capitalise on their strong start and posted a modest 128/9. Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33) put on 48 runs for the opening stand but most New Zealand batters struggled to time the ball.

West Indies stumbled early in their innings as Eden Carson grabbed three key wickets to put New Zealand ahead. Needing 15 runs from the last over from Bates, West Indies managed only six.

“I’m a bit emotional but really proud of the girls,” Player of the Match Carson said.