With the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup, West Indies Women made a strong start to their campaign by defeating the defending champions New Zealand Women at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 13.
After the first innings, West Indies were let to chase a target of 163 runs by the New Zealand Women. The White Ferns were washed-out by the Windies by a narrow one run, scoring 163 with 3 wickets down. The West Indies keeper Shemaine Campbelle scored an unbeaten 90 runs leading West Indies to the victory, and bagging two points in Group B of the tournament.
New Zealand sets a competitive target
With the accompaniment of captain Hayley Matthews, the Windies managed to put up a fighting 162/6 due to the batting collapse in the middle order. This destruction of the Caribbean side was done by the brilliant spell of Aaliyah Alleyne, who bowled fantastically well and took the record-best figure of 4/27.
Also Read | Manav Suthar makes instant impact in County Championship debut
The openers for New Zealand, Isabella Gaze, provided a perfect platform for the team with a quickfire knock of 39 runs from 29 balls, but she found it difficult to play the ball due to Alleyne’s dismissal of Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, and Isabella Gaze in quick succession. Meanwhile, the captain also dismissed Sophie Devine. But for the New Zealanders, there was some relief as Halliday scored 40 runs and an unbeaten knock of 35 came from Maddy Green.
West Indies' early wickets in the chase
The run-chase began loosely for West Indies when Qiana Joseph fell victim to run-out for 2 runs in the second over itself. Soon after that, Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle helped stabilize things for their side with an efficient partnership of 74 runs. Hayley Matthews looked extremely threatening on 48 when she holed out to Maddy Green from Jess Kerr.
After the explosive performance, Deandra Dottin was dismissed for 6 runs in the 16th over through another catch by Green from Jess Kerr, West Indies had found themselves struggling at 126/3. The run-rate required was now above nine an over.
Campbelle’s performance seals the victory
Shemaine Campbelle hauls the team with her fifty off 39 balls, later accelerating at the death overs ending the match with an unbeatable 90 runs from 62 balls which included seven fours and three sixes. Jahzara Claxton stayed with her in the closing stages, helping her running between the wickets with doubles and singles.
Also Read | Rahmanullah Gurbaz rewrites record books with 48-ball century against India
Speaking of New Zealand, Jess Kerr was adjudged the best bowler with 2/17, but her late strikes fell short in front of Campbelle’s aggressive performance, leading West Indies reach 163/3 in 19.5 overs.
Shemaine Campbelle was named Player of the Match for her strategic match-winning knock that paved a glorifying victory for West Indies.
This makes West Indies well positioned in Group B, while New Zealand has a lot to think about before their next match-up. The display by Shemaine Campbelle was impressive enough to prove the level of understanding she has of the game. This performance will give hope to West Indies that they can go further in the competition.
FAQs:
Who was named Player of the Match for leading West Indies to victory over New Zealand
Shemaine Campbelle was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten knock of 90 runs.
Which bowler took a record-best figure of 4/27 during the match?
Aaliyah Alleyne picked up 4/27 to dismantle the opposition's lineup during the game.
