Twitter Reactions - New Zealand booked their Ticket to World Cup Final after 14 Years

In a nail-biting semi-final encounter, New Zealand secured their spot in the final of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup with an exhilarating 8-run victory over the 2016 champions, West Indies. The win sets up a mouth-watering clash with South Africa for the title, ensuring a new champion will be crowned.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a total of 128, struggling to find momentum in the final overs, with just 30 runs coming from the last 5. Openers Suzie Bates (26 off 28) and Georgia Plimmer (33 off 31) failed to fully capitalize on their starts, as West Indies pacer Chinelle Henry bowled a tight spell, finishing her 4 overs on the trot.

The spin attack, led by Karishma Ramharack (1 for 11), immediately made an impact, dismissing Bates with her second ball. Amelia Kerr (7 off 11) also fell cheaply, followed soon by Plimmer. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews smartly rotated her bowlers, but it was Deandra Dottin (4 for 22) who stole the show with a brilliant four-wicket haul. Her exceptional spell kept New Zealand in check.

Chasing 129, West Indies faltered early, losing Qiana Joseph (12 off 12) with just 16 on the board. Their top-order trio—Stafanie Taylor (13 off 20), Matthews (15 off 21), and Joseph—struggled to accelerate, leaving the team in a precarious position. When things seemed bleak, Dottin once again turned up the heat, smashing three sixes in the 16th over off Lea Tahuhu, a blistering 23-run over that brought West Indies back into the game. However, Amelia Kerr (2 for 14) dismissed the dangerous Dottin for 33 off 22, swinging the momentum back to New Zealand.

With 15 required off the final over, Suzie Bates, who hadn’t bowled in a T20I for over six months, was handed the responsibility. Bates held her nerve, removing Zaida James (14 off 8) and restricting the West Indies batters, sealing an 8-run victory for her side.

Eden Carson was named Player of the Match for her crucial 3 for 29, which stifled the West Indies middle order. Social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter) erupted with praise for New Zealand’s nerve-wracking win, while fans lauded the West Indies’ valiant fight until the last ball.

The West Indies always bring their energy and passion to the game!
Hard luck wi

— Muhammad Asim (@Asiim_786) October 18, 2024

Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the players.

— SAAD KHAN✨💞 (@saadkhan6699) October 18, 2024

What an exciting moment for the White Ferns! Congrats 💝👍

— Muhammad Asim (@Asiim_786) October 18, 2024

New Zealand’s remarkable journey to the T20 World Cup final, despite entering the tournament on a 10-match losing streak, showcases their resilience and ability to rise under pressure, turning adversity into triumph at the most critical moment pic.twitter.com/2XGJhgI7uN

— Mangleshwar Yadav (@CrickTak) October 18, 2024