NEW ZEALAND is one win away from a maiden T20 World title after defeating the West Indies by eight runs in this morning’s semi-final. The Kiwis made 9/128 from their 20 overs, before restricting the West Indies to just 8/120 from theirs.

New Zealand made an ok start to its innings, but the wickets really started to fall the Kiwis fell into the trap of struggling to maintain momentum. The 48 run opening partnership was the biggest of the whole innings, with the only other partnerships of any substance being in the 20s.

Unsurprisingly, the two top scorers for New Zealand were its openers, with Georgia Plimmer making 33 and Suzie Bates finishing with 26.

Meanwhile for the West Indies Deandra Dottin was chief destroyer with ball in hand with four wickets to her name, with Afy Fletcher taking two wickets, and both Aaliyah Alleyne and Karishma Ramharack taking a wicket each.

In reply, the West Indies got off to a quicker start in terms of their run rate, but also started losing wickets sooner than the Kiwis had.

This was ultimately their undoing. The fact that the West Indies started losing their wickets in the second wicket as opposed to the eighth meant that momentum started slowing sooner, and low partnerships were more prevalent. The highest partnership for the innings was 21. The tail did show a big of wag, but the earlier slowness meant it was ultimately to no avail.

Dottin ultimately also topped the scoring for her side, making 33 off 22 balls, which included three sixes.

Meanwhile for the Kiwis Eden Carson starred with a trio of wickets, while Amelia Kerr took two and Bates, Fran Jonas and Lea Tahuhu all took one each.  

The win ensures that no matter who wins Monday’s final, there will be a first time women’s T20 World Champion.