The second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal is set to take place between New Zealand and West Indies on Friday, October 18 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two teams that have defied the odds to reach this stage of the tournament. Both teams were not considered favorites to make it to the semifinals, with New Zealand securing a surprise victory over India in their opening game and West Indies being led by standout player Hayley Matthews.
Australia, the six-time winners and defending champions, were surprisingly knocked out in the previous round by South Africa, who were not expected to challenge the dominant Australian team. Other strong teams like England, India, and Sri Lanka failed to make it out of the group stage, further showcasing the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Despite their underdog status, both New Zealand and West Indies have shown their resilience and determination to reach this stage.
West Indies, who have only made one final appearance in 2016 where they emerged victorious against Australia, are looking to repeat that success in this tournament. Captain Hayley Matthews emphasized the importance of enjoying themselves and playing with vibrancy on the field. New Zealand, on the other hand, are led by captain Sophie Devine who is aiming to become the first Kiwi captain to lift a Women’s World Cup title. Despite a poor run of form leading up to the tournament, New Zealand have performed well, with their only loss coming against Australia.
In terms of head-to-head record, New Zealand holds a 17-5 advantage over West Indies in their T20 encounters, including two Super Over wins. Both teams have shown good form in the tournament, with New Zealand beating India and Pakistan, and West Indies securing three consecutive wins. The toss and pitch conditions in Sharjah have favored teams batting first, with most matches ending in wins for the team batting first.
The weather forecast for the match predicts hot and humid conditions in Sharjah, with temperatures around 36 degrees Celsius and 50 percent humidity. Both teams are expected to field their strongest XI for the crucial semifinal match, with New Zealand likely to stick with the same side that defeated Pakistan in their last game. West Indies will be hoping star batter Stefanie Taylor is fit to play after missing the previous match against England. Overall, the semifinal between New Zealand and West Indies promises to be a thrilling contest between two determined teams vying for a spot in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
