In a convincing six-wicket victory over England, the West Indies advanced to the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals here on Tuesday thanks to the impressive half century made by captain Hayley Matthews and her opening partner Qiana Joseph.
West Indies chased down the goal of 142 with 12 balls remaining, although Matthews (50 off 38 balls) and Joseph (52 off 38 balls) stole the show by sharing 102 runs for the opening wicket in 12.2 overs.
Deandra Dottin’s 27 off 19 balls made sure that West Indies reached 142 for 4 in 18 overs despite both of them being out in rapid succession.
Group A winners and reigning champions Australia will play South Africa in the first semifinal on Thursday, while West Indies will play Group A runners-up New Zealand in the second semifinal on Friday.India, who placed third in Group A, has already been eliminated from the semifinal competition. Following a power play, England’s batting side collapsed to 34 for 3, but they rallied to record 141 for 7, with Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scoring with 57 off 50 balls and captain Heather Knight retiring injured after 21 off 13 balls.
Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher collected three wickets for 21 runs in her four overs for the West Indies, while Hayley Matthews claimed two wickets.
England: 141 for 7 in 20 overs (Afy Fletcher 3/21) and Nat Sciver-Brunt 57 not out are the brief scores.
West Indies: Hayley Matthews 50, Qiana Joseph 52, Sarah Glenn 1/20; 142 for 4 in 18 overs.
