Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand, expressed relief and joy following the White Ferns’ victory over the West Indies in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 second semi-final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 18.
Devine referred to the opportunity to participate in the summit clash of the tournament as a privilege. When New Zealand advanced to the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2010, Devine acknowledged that the emotion didn’t fully register at the moment. On Sunday, October 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, New Zealand defeated the West Indies by eight runs to advance to the championship match against South Africa.
“Hasn’t really set in yet. My brain was fried out there, and I’m still trying to recover. privileged to be able to participate in the World Cup final. Our bacon was somewhat rescued by our final two overs. I thought our appearance was a little lacking. However, the way Izzi batted in the closing moments and managed to score a few more runs.
The highest chase here was 127, but we thought 130 would be a competitive total—not quite par. We knew we were in with a big shout because of this. This wicket may be difficult. During our innings, we observed that escape can be challenging. However, the game is never over when the opposition has players like Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews,” Devine stated during the news conference held after the game.
Much appreciation for the WI side: Sophie Devine
Georgia Plimmer top-scored with a 31-ball 33, limiting New Zealand to 129/9 after they chose to bat first. Despite helpful contributions from Suzie Bates (26), Brooke Halliday (18), and Isabella Gaze (20*), the West Indies continued to take wickets and held New Zealand to what appeared to be a below-average total.
Eden Carson took three of the first four wickets to fall in the second innings, but the New Zealand bowlers got off to a great start. Deandra Dottin’s counterattacking knock of 33 off 22 balls put the Caribbean team back in the game after the West Indies were trailing at 63/5 in the 14th over.
New Zealand was given an over-rate penalty, and Bates bowled the final over with only three fielders outside the ring. With three wickets remaining, the Caribbean team needed 15 to win. Zaida James struck the opening ball for a boundary, but Bates recovered well to give up just two runs from the next over.
During their run-chase, the West Indies could only manage 120/8. In addition to applauding the West Indies’ perseverance, Devine commended Bates for maintaining her composure during the final over.
“The WI side is much respected. In terms of his ability to take pace off, Halliday also came quite close to receiving the ball. Suzie has been harping on it at training, though, to have someone with her level of experience. Being able to call on her with three fielders out is really important when you have that kind of experience. Devine remarked, “It’s pretty special for me to throw her the ball.”
In the run-up to the main event, New Zealand lost ten consecutive Twenty20 International matches. Devine was pleased with her team’s strong morals.
As a leader, I’m most proud of the character and tenacity we’ve displayed throughout the past 12 to 18 months, not only during this tournament.
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The belief in what this group is about and what we can do has been there, even if results haven’t gone our way and we’ve had a lot of criticism from the outside,” she continued.
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