The Maroon Warriors celebrate a shock win over England
In a remarkable turn of events at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the West Indies pulled off an outstanding upset against England, securing a six-wicket victory and a coveted spot in the semi-finals as winners of Group B via net run rate.
West Indies won the toss and after sending England into bat, their decision was justified as the opposition were struggling at 34/2 by the end of the power play.
West Indies’ bowlers, led by the experienced Afy Fletcher, who grabbed 3/21 and set a record of 24 T20I wickets in a calendar year, the most by a female bowler for the West Indies, and captain Hayley Matthews who took 2 for 35, kept the English batters on their toes throughout.
The Maroon Warriors Celebrate the Wicket of Maia Bouchier by Afy Fletcher
Nat Sciver-Brunt stood tall amidst her team’s collapse as she crafted a resilient 57 not out.
Her innings was the backbone of England's total.
She formed a brief but important partnership with captain Heather Knight but when an injury forced Knight to retire hurt on 21, England’s burgeoning momentum was halted but they eventually ended on a respectable 141/7 from their allotted overs.
Needing 142 for victory, the West Indies openers came out with clear intent.
Qiana Joseph Celebrates her 50 vs England
Hayley Matthews, playing in her 100th T20I, and Qiana Joseph launched a vicious assault on the English bowlers and set the tone for the chase.
Their partnership of 102, the second highest West Indies opening partnership in T20Is, was masterfully put together and gave the rest of the batting line up immense confidence to chase the target.
Matthews scored a fluent 50 while Joseph registered a career-best 52, her maiden T20I half century.
It is worth noting West Indies’ openers were aided by some shambolic fielding by England who put down five possible catches, including two off Joseph.
Matthews commented on the run chase considering her team’s previously triumphant pursuits saying,
The loss of both openers in successive overs threatened to derail the chase, but the West Indies middle order held their nerve. “World Boss” Deandra Dottin contributed another important cameo with 27 off 19 balls featuring two fours and two sixes and, in the end, the West Indies got to their target, with six wickets and two overs to spare, sparking jubilant celebrations both in the dugout and on the field.
Matthews further commented on the result saying,
As the sun set on the Dubai International Stadium and celebrations intensified, it is clear this match will be remembered as one of the great upsets in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Written off by many at the start of the tournament, West Indies now have a date with New Zealand on Friday and hopefully, another with either South Africa or Australia this coming Sunday as they aim for a second world T20 crown and their first since 2016. The semifinal with New Zealand will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium at 6pm local time or 10 am Eastern Caribbean time.
Buy
Tickets
