England’s dominant win sends West Indies into T20 World Cup semi-finals

West Indies secured their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after England delivered a decisive nine-wicket victory over defending champions New Zealand at Kennington Oval on Saturday.

The result completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign for England, who won all five of their matches and finished Group B at the summit with 10 points.

For New Zealand, the defeat ended their title defense, while West Indies moved into the final four after claiming second place with three wins and two losses, finishing on eight points.

England chase down target with ruthless efficiency

New Zealand posted a competitive 163 for six after being asked to bat first, setting England a challenging chase under pressure.

But England’s response was immediate and commanding.

The opening partnership between Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley took control of the chase from the start, combining power and placement to dismantle the New Zealand attack.

Wyatt-Hodge produced a spectacular unbeaten innings of 89 from just 53 balls, smashing 15 fours and one six as she guided England home with 16 deliveries remaining.

Dunkley provided the perfect support role, scoring 49 from 38 balls and striking nine boundaries before falling just short of a half-century.

Together, the pair removed any doubt about the outcome.

Wyatt-Hodge leads England’s charge

England lost only one wicket during the chase.

Amy Jones was the lone dismissal, falling for 17 from 13 balls after hitting three boundaries. She was removed by Nensi Patel, but the damage had already been done.

Wyatt-Hodge continued to attack throughout the innings, repeatedly finding gaps and punishing anything loose from the New Zealand bowlers.

Her performance ensured England maintained their flawless record and entered the knockout stage with significant momentum.

New Zealand fight hard but fall short

Earlier, New Zealand showed flashes of the quality that made them champions, posting 163 for six from their 20 overs.

Captain Melie Kerr led the way with a composed 42 from 34 deliveries, hitting six fours to anchor the innings.

Isabella Gaze added valuable support, making 28 from 27 balls with four boundaries, while Sophie Devine injected late energy into the total with an explosive 30 from only 14 deliveries.

Devine’s quick-fire innings included three sixes and a four, helping New Zealand finish strongly.

Brooke Halliday contributed 20 from 17 balls, while Maddy Green and Suzie Bates added 17 and 19, respectively.

However, the total ultimately proved insufficient against England’s aggressive batting lineup.

Gibson sets the tone with the ball

England’s bowlers played a key role in restricting New Zealand to a chaseable target.

Dani Gibson was the standout performer, claiming two wickets for 30 runs from her three overs.

Lauren Bell and Freya Kemp also made important breakthroughs, preventing New Zealand from building a bigger total.

Despite several useful contributions, New Zealand could not find enough momentum to challenge England’s pursuit.

Semi-final picture takes shape

With the final Group B positions confirmed, England move forward as one of the tournament’s strongest teams, while West Indies celebrate another appearance in the knockout stage.

The remaining semi-finalists from Group A will be decided on Sunday when India meet Australia and South Africa take on Bangladesh in the final group matches.

For West Indies, England’s commanding victory delivered exactly what they needed: a place among the tournament’s final four and another opportunity to chase global glory.