Afy Fletcher’s three-wicket haul, followed by blazing half-centuries from skipper Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph powers the West Indies into the semi-finals, England knocked out.
England led by skipper Heather Knight was up against the West Indies led by skipper Hayley Matthews in the final league game of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After being inserted to bat first, the England openers Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier got their side off to a solid start with a 29-run opening partnership. Skipper Hayley Matthews picked up the wicket of Danielle Wyatt-Hodge to provide the first breakthrough for the West Indies.
England lost a couple of wickets in quick succession to bring the West Indies firmly back into the contest. Skipper Heather Knight joined Nat Sciver-Brunt at the crease and the duo were forming a much-needed partnership when skipper Heather had to retire hurt due to an injury. Wicket-keeper Amy Jones replaced her at the crease. However, she soon made her way back to the pavilion to provide the 4th breakthrough for the West Indies.
Watch Highlights: West Indies beat England Women
View this post on Instagram
England eventually ended up with a total of 141/7 in their quota of 20 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt (57* off 50 balls), skipper Heather Knight (21* off 13 balls), and Dani Wyatt-Hodge (16 off 12 balls) were the top performers with the bat for England. Afy Fletcher (4-0-21-3), skipper Hayley Matthews (4-0-35-2), and Deandra Dottin (3-0-16-1) were the top performers with the ball for the West Indies.
Chasing a target of 142, the West Indian openers, Qiana Joseph and skipper Hayley Matthews got their side off to a flying start, with a massive 102-run opening partnership. Stand-in skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt picked up the wicket of Qiana Joseph to provide the much-needed first breakthrough for England. Skipper Hayley Matthews soon followed her back to the pavilion to provide the 2nd breakthrough for England.
West Indies eventually got over the line with six wickets in hand and 12 balls to spare to seal a spot in the semi-final after 2016. Qiana Joseph (52 off 38 balls), skipper Hayley Matthews (50 off 38 balls), and Deandra Dottin (27 off 19 balls) were the top performers with the bat for the West Indies. Sophie Ecclestone (4-0-23-1), Sarah Glenn (3-0-20-1), and stand-in skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (4-0-33-1) were the top performers with the ball for England.
West Indies beat England to make it to the semi-final for the first time since 2018. #CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/q8fxNEuyd4
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 15, 2024
Qiana Joseph was awarded the Player of the Match for her blazing half-century (52 off 38 balls) with the bat for her side. She along with skipper Hayley Matthews played a crucial role in helping her side storm into the semi-final.
Loves all things female cricket