WI-W vs ENG-W - SportsIstan

In a dramatic turn of events, West Indies pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, knocking out England and qualifying for the semi-finals. The West Indies’ 6-wicket win over England on Monday, coupled with a string of remarkable performances, ensured they topped Group B and set up a semi-final clash with New Zealand in Sharjah. A Historic Victory West Indies, having last beaten England in 2018, ended a 13-match losing streak against the former champions. England, who had breezed through their first three group matches, were expected to advance to the semi-finals, but their hopes were dashed as West Indies chased down a target of 142 with ease. The win was particularly significant as West Indies were without their star batter, former captain Stafanie Taylor, who is sidelined with a knee injury. In Taylor's absence, West Indies found strength in their youngsters, with Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph leading the way with a stunning partnership at the top. Matthews and Joseph Shine Matthews, playing in her 100th T20I, celebrated the milestone with a brilliant half-century, scoring 50 off 38 balls. She was well supported by Joseph, who smashed a career-best 52 off 38 balls. Their opening stand of 102 in just 13 overs laid the foundation for a commanding chase. West Indies reached their target of 142 with six wickets in hand, securing a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2018. England’s bowling, despite the efforts of Sarah Glenn (1-20), could not halt the West Indies charge. West Indies' chase was made even easier by England's sloppy fielding, with five dropped catches contributing to their downfall. England's Struggles with the Bat England's innings, in contrast, faltered under pressure. Despite a valiant unbeaten 57 from Nat Sciver-Brunt, the rest of the English batting line-up crumbled. England found themselves in trouble early, slipping to 34 for 3 in the seventh over after key wickets fell, including that of Heather Knight (21), who retired injured with a calf issue. Sciver-Brunt tried to keep England's hopes alive with a flurry of boundaries towards the end, but she lacked support. England eventually posted 141 for 7, but the total was insufficient in the face of West Indies’ relentless chase. West Indies’ Bowling Strength West Indies' bowlers also stepped up to the plate. Afy Fletcher and Deandra Dottin, making their tournament debuts with the ball, bowled economically and took key wickets, combining for 4 wickets while conceding just 37 runs in 7 overs. Fletcher (3-21) and Matthews (2-35) were instrumental in restricting England’s scoring, particularly during the middle overs when England had hoped to accelerate. England's Disastrous Fielding England’s fielding was a major letdown, with several key chances going begging. The most costly drop came when Qiana Joseph was on 31 and was dropped by Alice Capsey at point off Sciver-Brunt’s bowling. The misfielding only compounded England’s frustrations, with more errors in the field as the match progressed. This poor fielding performance, coupled with the pressure of chasing a low score, spelled disaster for England. A Dream Semi-Final for West Indies West Indies now turn their attention to their semi-final clash against New Zealand, with the match set to take place in Sharjah. The West Indies, who were written off by many before the tournament, have defied the odds and will look to continue their journey towards a potential T20 World Cup final. This victory marks a significant moment for West Indies women's cricket, showcasing the depth and talent of a young team rising to the occasion. With Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph in exceptional form, the team will carry their newfound momentum into the semi-finals, hoping to secure a place in the final and add to their illustrious history in the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, England’s early exit will raise questions about their performances, especially with their disappointing fielding and the inability to support Sciver-Brunt in the batting department. After a promising start to the tournament, their hopes of a semi-final appearance were dashed, leaving them to reflect on a missed opportunity.