Before the all-important clash between the West Indies and India in the men’s section, the Caribbean women will meet New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Twenty semi-final at the Wankhede here on Thur
Before the all-important clash between the West Indies and India in the men’s section, the Caribbean women will meet New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Twenty semi-final at the Wankhede here on Thursday.
Both are yet to win the title. The Kiwis have been in the final twice in the first two editions but lost to England and Australia respectively. The West Indies have made it to the semi-finals previosuly but have never advanced.
“I said in the meeting that four times we have been in the semi-finals and this time around it is not against Australia, so that is a surplus, but definitely we want to cross this barrier. Today in our training, the vibes were fantastic and that’s what I want to see going into tomorrow’s game,” said West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor, who is the top scorer for her side with 162 runs followed by Deandra Dottin (91).
New Zealand women, like their men’s team come into semi-final unbeaten, winning all four games. They dominated every opponent during the group stage and are favourites.
The West Indies in comparison lost to England and beat the three Asian teams Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. They defeated India by three runs on Sunday to qualify for semis and had beaten Pakistan by four runs earlier.
Dottin and Afy Fletcher has taken seven scalps each for the West Indies while Taylor has five wickets in her kitty. Taylor was confident with her bowling attack to close out narrow games.
“I think we have one of the best bowling attack in this tournament, so any total that we pose on the board, my bowlers could defend that,” she said.
The Black Caps women have been in sublime form and they will love the Wankhede wicket which has been full of runs. Skipper Suzie Bates has scored 171 runs while Rachel Priest and Sophie Dewine have also been among the runs.
“We are confident but we have to turn up tomorrow and play as good cricket we have been playing in the tournament,” said Bates.
“We have earned the right to play the semi-final. We want to play attractive and aggressive cricket. Mumbai is a good batting track and we are excited to play tomorrow,” Kiwis coach Haidee Tiffen said.
