England helps West Indies book World Cup semis spot
West Indies Women reached the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals for the second time in a row after England defeated New Zealand by nine wickets to eliminate the defending champions.
Earlier, the West Indies had lost to Ireland by six wickets and needed England to beat New Zealand to secure their place in the last four.
Ireland ended a 21-match winless streak at the tournament, with Orla Prendergast’s half-century guiding them to their historic victory.
West Indies will now wait to learn their semifinal opponents from Group A.
West Indies Women struggled to 128 for seven after batting first as Ireland chased down the target with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare to end their fifth T20 World Cup losing streak.
The defeat left the West Indies relying on England to beat New Zealand to keep their hopes of reaching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals alive.
West Indies’ batting struggled again, losing early wickets as Qiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbelle were dismissed cheaply to leave the score at 27 for two in the third over.
Captain Hayley Matthews scored 22 off 25 balls before being caught, leaving the team in trouble at 50 for three in the ninth over.
Stafanie Taylor scored 16 and Deandra Dottin made a slow 21 as West Indies continued to struggle with the bat.
Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten 27 provided a late boost, helping the team reach 128 for seven.
Cara Murray (2-13) and Aimee Maguire (2-22) were Ireland’s leading bowlers.
Needing to perform at their best, West Indies missed an early chance to dismiss Amy Hunter after dropping her on three, hurting their hopes of defending a modest total.
Ashmini Munisar provided a breakthrough by removing Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for nine, leaving Ireland at 28 for one.
Player of the Match Orla Prendergast scored 63 off 44 balls and shared a crucial 66-run partnership with Amy Hunter (28) to put Ireland in control.
Although Ashmini Munisar claimed two wickets, Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 16 guided Ireland to a historic six-wicket victory with 11 balls remaining.
Munisar ended with 2-28 from her four overs.
