We are just two matches away from crowning the winner of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. In a stunning turn of events, South Africa delivered a masterclass performance, knocking out six-time champions Australia. The spotlight now shifts to the second semi-final, where New Zealand will face off against the West Indies for a place in the title clash. As anticipation builds, let’s delve into the potential milestones that could define this crucial encounter.
Suzie Bates is 1 match away from becoming the player with the joint-most caps
Suzie Bates, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cricketers, is on the verge of yet another historic achievement. Having recently become the first player, male or female, to cross the 4500 T20I run mark, she now stands on the cusp of matching Indian legend Mithali Raj as the joint most-capped player in international cricket. Bates will play her 333rd international match (163 ODIs and 169 T20Is) in the semi-final and boasts an outstanding record of 5718 ODI runs, 4526 T20I runs, alongside 78 ODI and 58 T20I wickets. Her form will be pivotal as New Zealand chases a spot in the final.
Leigh Kasperek is 4 wickets away from 150 international wickets
Spinner Leigh Kasperek is set to play a key role for New Zealand, particularly on the slower, spin-friendly surfaces of the United Arab Emirates. With 65 ODI wickets and 81 T20I wickets to her name, Kasperek is just four wickets shy of reaching 150 international wickets. Her spell of 2 for 27 against Sri Lanka demonstrated her impact, and she remains a crucial weapon in New Zealand’s arsenal, despite missing the playing XI against Pakistan.
Stafanie Taylor is 2 wickets away from 100 T20I wickets
Veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor, the heart of West Indies cricket, is on the brink of joining an elite group of bowlers. With 98 T20I wickets in 124 matches, she is just two wickets away from becoming the newest member of the 100-wicket club. As the former captain who led West Indies to their first T20 World Cup title in 2016, Taylor’s experience could prove decisive if she takes the field after being rested against England due to injury.
Hayley Matthews is 59 runs away from 2500 T20I runs
Captain Hayley Matthews has been a shining light for the West Indies in this tournament. She is on the verge of reaching a personal milestone as well—just 59 runs away from becoming the third West Indian woman to score 2500+ T20I runs, after Stafanie Taylor (3413) and Deandra Dottin (2784). With a match-defining fifty (50 off 38) against England, Matthews’ leadership and batting will be central to the West Indies’ chances against New Zealand.
Chinelle Henry is 79 runs away from 1000 international runs
West Indies’ all-rounder Chinelle Henry is closing in on a notable milestone herself. Across 48 ODIs and 58 T20Is, Henry has accumulated 921 runs (498 in ODIs and 423 in T20Is). She needs just 79 runs to reach 1000 international runs. Additionally, with 51 wickets (32 in ODIs and 19 in T20Is) across both formats, Henry’s contributions with both bat and ball will be crucial in this high-stakes clash.
The two sides have faced each other 23 times, with New Zealand holding the upper hand with 15 victories. However, this tournament has shown that head-to-head records do not matter much. The stakes could not be any higher, with both teams just one step away from the final. The much-anticipated semi-final will kick off at 7:30 PM IST at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
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