SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Eight years in the past, the West Indies edged New Zealand by simply six runs in an exciting second semifinal of the 2016 T20 World Cup, reserving their spot within the ultimate. They claimed their maiden World T20 title with a victory over Australia.
Quick-forward to this Friday and the Windies will hope historical past repeats itself as they face the Kiwis as soon as extra within the second semifinal of the present match in Sharjah.
After struggling a heavy 10-wicket defeat by the hands of South Africa, the West Indies bounced again with wins of their remaining group-stage matches towards Bangladesh, Scotland, and England, reigniting their marketing campaign.
Captain Hayley Matthews hopes the group can capitalize on that momentum and ebook a spot as soon as once more within the grand finale.
“I feel we’re pleased with what we’ve achieved. Nobody sort of had us to get to this stage, so I feel we’re all fairly pleased that we’ve made it right here. The job’s not completed but, and we locked our eyes on the sport tomorrow. We’re prepared for New Zealand and, hopefully, to play an enormous recreation.”
New Zealand’s journey to the semifinal has been removed from clean regardless of securing three wins in 4 matches. Their solely loss got here by the hands of Australia, however even their victories, although snug on paper, inform a story of battle and close to collapses for the White Ferns.
“We’ve spoken lots as a gaggle that we don’t need to get too excessive and too low, and that’s key for us to make it possible for we get again on that degree by taking part in with feelings. We’re simply actually trying ahead to an thrilling recreation tomorrow,” mentioned White Ferns captain Sophie Devine.
Regardless of New Zealand holding a head-to-head document of 15 wins to simply 5 losses in 24 encounters, the Windies might need an edge on this semifinal showdown. The spin-friendly tracks in Sharjah play to their strengths, with 17 of their 20 wickets within the group stage falling to spin. The West Indies will rely closely on their spinners, with Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, and Zaida James main the assault.
Amelia Kerr, who tops the bowling charts alongside South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba, will probably be pivotal for New Zealand. Leigh Kasperek’s off-spin might additionally return to bolster the Kiwi assault.
Stafanie Taylor stays uncertain for the Windies, however the group has confirmed succesful in her absence. Deandra Dottin has been in ferocious type, main the match with six towering sixes, twice as many as some other participant. Her power-hitting will probably be essential to the Windies’ possibilities.
New Zealand will look to Georgia Plimmer, who has been in wonderful type, whereas Suzie Bates is due for an enormous efficiency. A lot will even rely on the skilled captain Devine to regular the ship.
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