In a pulsating encounter at Southampton on June 13, 2026, the ICC Ladies’s T20 World Cup witnessed a masterclass in batting resilience. The Group 2 conflict between West Indies and New Zealand lived as much as the pre-match billing, culminating in a dramatic victory for the Caribbean aspect. Chasing a stiff goal of 163, West Indies secured an exhilarating 7-wicket win with just one ball to spare, headlined by an impressive, unbeaten 90 from wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle.
Disciplined West Indies bowling line-up limit New Zealand to a formidable rating
Requested to bat first, New Zealand’s innings was characterised by brisk begins and constant stress utilized by the West Indies bowlers. Isabella Gaze offered the early momentum, smashing 35 off 29 balls, together with three fours and a six, to assist the White Ferns attain 49/1 by the top of the powerplay. Nonetheless, the momentum shifted when Aaliyah Alleyne started her decisive spell. Alleyne showcased distinctive management to complete with good figures of 4/27 from her 4 overs, systematically dismantling the highest order.
New Zealand’s center order stabilized by way of Brooke Halliday’s measured 44-run contribution and a late flurry from Maddy Inexperienced, who remained unbeaten on 35 off 22 balls. Regardless of dropping wickets at essential junctures, together with captain Melie Kerr for simply 5, the White Ferns managed to publish a difficult complete of 162/6. The West Indies assault, whereas examined by New Zealand’s aggressive stroke play, maintained a decent economic system fee, guaranteeing the goal remained inside attain on a aggressive Southampton pitch.
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Shemaine Campbelle powers West Indies to a dramatic victory in opposition to New Zealand
The West Indies chase started shakily with the early lack of Qiana Joseph, however the partnership between captain Hayley Matthews and Campbelle offered the required stability. Matthews performed an important anchoring position, scoring a fluent 48 off 37 balls. As soon as Matthews fell to Jess Kerr, the burden of the chase rested squarely on Campbelle.
Campbelle thrived beneath the stress, executing a flawless innings that mixed watchful protection with aggressive hitting. Scoring an unbeaten 90 off simply 62 deliveries, she discovered the fence eight instances and cleared it thrice. Her potential to rotate the strike whereas discovering boundaries stored the required run fee manageable as the sport reached a crescendo.
With 31 runs required off the ultimate three overs, the match reached its boiling level. Deandra Dottin (6) offered transient help earlier than falling, however Campbelle remained composed. Going through an intense last over, she stored her nerve to information her aspect house with only one ball remaining. The triumph marks a major assertion for the West Indies within the group phases, fuelled by a person efficiency that will likely be remembered as one of many best on this 12 months’s event.
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This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
