West Indies will take on New Zealand in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in UAE on Friday, October 18. The White Ferns have had the upper hand over West Indies in T20Is in recent times. However, West Indies will be flying high after their emphatic victory over England in their last league game and hence can’t be taken lightly.
West Indies were at the top of the Group B standings, winning three matches while losing only one in their campaign’s four matches. Hayley Matthews and Co defeated England by 6 wickets in the last game after an 8-wicket win against Bangladesh. In the previous game, Qiana Joseph smashed an impressive 52 runs off 38 balls, forging a 100-run alliance with her captain, Hayley Matthews, who scored 50 off 38.
This partnership powered the 2016 champions to successfully chase down the 141-run target with 12 balls and six wickets remaining. They will aim to make it to another T20 World Cup final to strengthen their chances of lifting the title again.
On the other hand, New Zealand finished at the second spot in the Group A points table at the end of the tournament’s groups stage. They won three matches while losing only one in their four games. The White Ferns are coming off a 54-run win against Pakistan following an 8-wicket win against Sri Lanka. They have a balanced team.
Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr will be crucial at the top of the order. Devine’s all-round ability makes her a key player. Isabella Gaze, the wicketkeeper, provides depth in batting. In bowling, Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu will look to strike early. Spinners like Eden Carson and Fran Jonas will be important as well.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Details
Date and Time: 18 October 2024, Friday, 07:30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar app
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Pitch Report
The surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known for its slow and tacky nature. Once the new ball loses its luster, batters will find it difficult to time the ball. It also presents a unique challenge with its short boundaries. The slow pace makes fluent stroke play difficult, but the close boundaries often result in high-scoring matches.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Weather Report
The weather is expected to be hot and humid with open skies. There are no chances of rain during the game. The temperature is likely to be around 32°C with 63% humidity.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Probable Playing XIs
West Indies: Hayley Matthews(c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle(wk), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(wk), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 23 |
West Indies won | 05 |
New Zealand won | 17 |
No Result | 01 |
Prediction: West Indies to win the match.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs South Africa, Semi-final 2 – Key Players
West Indies
- Hayley Matthews– She scored 50 runs off 38 balls in the last game. Matthews is West Indies’ most important player. The star all-rounder has already scored 102 runs in 4 innings at a strike rate of 113, while also taking 4 wickets at 6.06.
- Afy Fletcher – She is one of the key players among the bowlers to watch out for. Her bowling finesse adds a strategic edge to the team. In the previous match, she conceded 21 runs and took 3 wickets.
New Zealand
- Georgia Plimmer – She has been New Zealand’s most consistent batter in the tournament, scoring 108 runs in 4 innings at a strike rate of 122. Her contribution with the bat significantly helps the team.
- Amelia Kerr – She is leading the charge with the bowl and has been in fantastic form. The leg-spinner has thrived in these conditions, taking 10 wickets in just 4 innings at 4.20. Kerr is a crucial pick for this game.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies vs New Zealand, Semi-final 2 – Dream 11 Prediction
Wicket-Keeper: Shemaine Campbelle
Batters: Georgia Plimmer, Qiana Joseph
All-rounders: Hayley Matthews (c), Deandra Dottin, Amelia Kerr (vc), Sophie Devine,
Bowlers: Afy Fletcher, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson
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