West Indies Triumph Over New Zealand in T20 World Cup Opener

West Indies Secures Victory Against New Zealand

Southampton [UK], June 14: In a thrilling start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, the West Indies emerged victorious against the defending champions, New Zealand, winning by seven wickets.

Shemaine Campbelle played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring an impressive 90 runs off 62 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Aaliyah Alleyne's outstanding bowling performance, with figures of 4 for 27, limited New Zealand to 162 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

After opting to field first, the West Indies struck early as Aaliyah dismissed Georgia Plimmer for just 8 runs, breaking a 49-run opening partnership. She followed up by taking crucial wickets of Amelia Kerr and Isabella Gaze, who scored 39 runs off 29 balls, leaving New Zealand struggling at 56 for 3.

Sophie Devine contributed 22 runs off 15 balls, forming a 45-run partnership with Brooke Halliday, who scored 40 runs off 32 balls. Maddy Green's unbeaten 35 off 22 balls helped New Zealand reach a total of 162.

In response, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front, scoring 48 runs off 37 balls in a solid partnership of 74 runs with Campbelle after an early wicket. Despite a run-out of Qiana Joseph, Campbelle accelerated the innings, reaching her maiden T20I fifty and guiding her team to victory with a ball to spare.

Jess Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs in her four overs.

This victory serves as a sweet revenge for the West Indies, following their semi-final loss to New Zealand in the previous T20 World Cup.