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.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy has been announced ahead of the tournament's long-awaited return in 2025.The 50-over com
England captain Ben Stokes (Picture: Getty) England captain Ben Stokes insists he has ‘so much more left in this tank’ after being ruled out
England Women head coach Jon Lewis says his side are in "a really good place" for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which he