Windies dreaming of T20 glory, Australia remain hot favourites

FE Team | Published: October 16, 2024 23:37:06

DUBAI, Oct 16, 2024 (AFP): The West Indies have proven their doubters wrong by reaching Friday's Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, but have their sights set on repeating their 2016 triumph.
The Caribbean side have been knocked out in the group stage in the past two editions and they may have feared a repeat after losing their opener in the United Arab Emirates to South Africa by 10 wickets.
But a magnificent victory against England, their first over the world's second-ranked team since 2018, has left them one win from the final, with only an unfancied New Zealand standing in their way.
For many years the West Indies have relied heavily on Matthews, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin.
The return of Dottin from international retirement for this tournament has been key to their success, but other players have also stepped up.
Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher took 3-21 against England, while opening batter Qiana Joseph clubbed a crucial 52.
The Windies have struck more sixes than any other country in the event so far, and Joseph and Matthews plundered a tournament-high 67 from the England bowlers in the powerplay.
Their ultimately comfortable chase ensured they finished top of Group B, avoiding a last-four meeting with red-hot favourites Australia.
Australia, bidding for a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title, have cruised into the knock-out phase, taking their winning streak in the tournament to 15 matches along the way.