England women defeated New Zealand women by 9 wickets which helped the West Indies women to a semi-final spot at the ICC T20 World Cup in England. The Windies were stunned earlier in the day by Ireland which then put their fate in the hands of England.
The West Indies lost to Ireland by one run in a rain-affected match in Dublin earlier this month but holds a dominant record against the Irish. Ireland were also winless at ICC T20 World Cups including this one until today in Bristol, while the Caribbean ladies won their first three matches in Group 2 before losing to hosts England in the last contest.
Already eliminated, Ireland won the toss and sent the West Indies in to bat and frustrated them somewhat, with Chinelle Henry batting at number 6 topscoring with an unbeaten 27.
Hayley Matthews added 22 and Deandra Dottin 21 as the Windies ladies posted a meagre 128 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Ireland’s response was impressive in particular that second wicket partnership between opener Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast which got them from 26 for 1 to 88 for 2.
Hunter made 28. And by the time Prendergrast was removed for 63, Ireland were standing on 108 for 3 eyeing the win. They eventually got to 129 for 4 in the 19th over to get the comfortable 6-wicket win at the City Ground.
Prendergrast with her match-winning knock of 63 which included eight fours and two sixes was named player of the match.
Fortunately for the West Indies, England took care of challengers New Zealand which saw the Caribbean ladies advance as the second team out of Group 2.