Southampton, June 14: Title favourites and current champions New Zealand suffered a setback when they lost to the West Indies – in a 2024 semifinals rematch – by seven wickets on the second-to-last ball in Southampton.
All the drama was in West Indies’ chase of 163 without injured big hitters Chinelle Henry and Stafanie Taylor.
Captain Hayley Matthews ran out opening partner Qiana Joseph in the second over but survived drops on 9, 42 and 43 to score 48.
Shemaine Campbelle went on to make 90 not out off 62 balls. She had never touched 50 in her previous 122 innings since her 2009 debut. Campbelle started out as a bowler who could bat, developed her batting and started this match at No. 3 in the order and playing wicketkeeper.
She was given out on 25 but reversed it on review and was dropped on 44. Her second six got her to her maiden fifty off 39 balls. Campbelle shared 74 with Matthews, 40 with Deandra Dottin and an unbeaten 37 with Jahzara Claxton. They made 163-3.
“I just backed my skills,” Campbelle said after hitting seven boundaries and three sixes. “I know I’m the calibre of player I can go and change the situation.”
The New Zealanders had a game to forget in the field. They dropped six chances, were poor behind the stumps, and threw badly.
Captain Melie Kerr, on the occasion of her 100th T20, scored 5 and her bowling was pummelled.
New Zealand did not start Suzie Bates for the first time in a World Cup match but someone always picked up the baton to reach 162-6. Izzy Gaze was first with 39, followed by Brooke Halliday’s 40 with support from Sophie Devine’s 22, and ending with Maddy Green’s unbeaten 35. Medium-pacer Aaliyah Alleyne had 3-8 off two overs and finished with 4-27. (AP)
