West Indies have knocked England out of the Women’s T20 World Cup after a spectacular six-wicket victory in Dubai, setting up a semi-final clash with New Zealand.
England set their opponents a target of 142, which West Indies reached with aplomb – racing to 89-0 off 10 overs through Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph’s stellar displays.
The result saw West Indies get the better of England for the first time since 2018, while also reaching their first semi-final in six years.
England were put into bat by their opponents and endured an uncomfortable start, largely due to Deandra Dottin’s impressive work in the field.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge (16), Alice Capsey (1) and Maia Bouchier (14) could not establish any sort of momentum for England as they stuttered to 34-3 from seven overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight combined to take the score to a more respectable 61-3, before the latter was forced to retire through injury in the 13th over.
Sciver-Brunt continued her strong showing to post a half-century from 45 deliveries in the 18th over, but her teammates continued to fall around her. The 32-year-old’s eventual 57 from 50 balls was in vain as England set a measly total of 141-7.
Matthews and Joseph started the West Indies run chase in stunning style, smashing 36 from three overs – each hitting two fours and a six.
England had sloppiness to blame as West Indies raced to a score of 67-0 off the powerplay. Sophia Dunkley dropped Joseph in the second over, while Capsey dropped Matthews in the fifth.
Joseph chalked up a half-century in just 34 deliveries, until Wyatt-Hodge took a catch to dismiss the stylish opener.
West Indies were left needing 38 runs from 41 balls, after captain Matthews was dismissed for 50 from 38.
Dottin proceeded to hit two sixes and a four as West Indies’ target was reduced to 14 from 24 balls.
England began to find their groove as Capsey ran out Shemaine Campbelle and Sophie Ecclestone bowled Dottin.
But Aaliyah Alleyne wrapped up a historic victory for West Indies, hitting the winning runs on the final ball of the 18th over.
The win meant West Indies topped the group, ahead of second-placed South Africa.
London [UK], : Former cricketer Courtney Winfield-Hill will join the England Women coaching set-up as an assistant coach for the upcoming tour to South Afric
Former cricketer and rugby league player Courtney Winfield-Hill has been named as an assistant coach for England Women’s tour of
Australian-born Courtney Winfield-Hill will join England's coaching team this winter for the tour of South Africa and Women's Ashes down under.Winfield-Hill pla
Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxingSign up to our free sport email for all the latest newsSign up