West Indies Women reach T20 World Cup semi-finals despite defeat by Ireland

NEW YORK, United States. West Indies Women have reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the second successive tournament, after England defeated New Zealand by nine wickets to eliminate the defending champions.

The West Indies had earlier lost to Ireland by six wickets and needed England to win to secure their place in the last four. They will now wait to learn their semi-final opponents from Group A.

Ireland’s victory ended a 21-match winless run at the tournament, with Orla Prendergast’s half-century guiding them to a historic win.

Batting struggles

Batting first, the West Indies struggled to 128 for seven. Qiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbelle fell cheaply to leave the side at 27 for two in the third over.

Captain Hayley Matthews made 22 off 25 balls before being caught, leaving the team at 50 for three in the ninth over. Stafanie Taylor scored 16 and Deandra Dottin a slow 21.

Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten 27 provided a late boost. Cara Murray (2 for 13) and Aimee Maguire (2 for 22) were Ireland’s leading bowlers.

Ireland’s chase

The West Indies missed an early chance when Amy Hunter was dropped on three. Ashmini Munisar removed Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for nine to leave Ireland 28 for one.

Player of the Match Prendergast then scored 63 off 44 balls and shared a 66-run partnership with Hunter, who made 28, to put Ireland in control.

Munisar took two wickets, finishing with 2 for 28 from her four overs, but Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 16 guided Ireland to victory with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.