DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The West Indies Women delivered a masterclass performance when it counted most, defeating England Women by six wickets to book their spot in the semi-final of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday.
In a high-stakes match, the Windies chased down England’s total of 141 for seven with ease, finishing on 144 for four in 18 overs, thanks to a brilliant 52 from Qiana Joseph and an equally commanding 50 from captain Hayley Matthews. The victory snapped a 13-match losing streak against England and marked the Caribbean side’s first win over their rivals since 2018.
With this result, West Indies topped Group B, eliminating England from the tournament. South Africa, who also ended with six points, advanced on net run rate as the second team from the group.
This is the first time since 2018 that West Indies Women have made it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. They will face New Zealand in the semi-final on Friday, while Australia will battle South Africa in the other semi-final on Thursday.
Attacking best
Playing in her 100th T20I, Matthews was at her attacking best, sharing a 102-run opening partnership with Joseph, who opened in place of the injured Stafanie Taylor. Matthews wasted no time, smashing fast bowler Lauren Bell for boundaries early in the innings, setting the tone for what would be a commanding chase.
Joseph produced her maiden T20I half-century in a 38-ball innings that included two sixes and six fours. Despite a few dropped chances by the England fielders, Joseph capitalized on her opportunities and kept the Windies firmly in control. She eventually fell for 52, but by then, West Indies were well on their way to victory.
Matthews followed suit with her 14th T20I fifty, before getting out for 50 off 38 balls, leaving West Indies needing just 40 runs for victory. Deandra Dottin kept the momentum going, striking two sixes and a four to push the Windies closer to the target. Despite late wicketsof Shemaine Campbelle and Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne sealed the win by driving Sophie Ecclestone to the boundary, sparking celebrations among the West Indies camp.
Earlier, the Windies’ bowlers laid a solid foundation, restricting England’s scoring. Nat Sciver-Brunt played a lone hand with an unbeaten 57, but England’s momentum was stifled when captain Heather Knight was forced to retire hurt on 21. Afy Fletcher was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, taking 3-21, while Matthews chipped in with 2-35.
