WI players dejected, captain Matthews heartbroken after defeat; New Zealand players cry in disbelief at reaching the T20WC final

New Zealand have never been favorites in Group A, let alone a title contender in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. After losing ten games in a row before the start of the ICC tournament, few believed they would make it past the group stage , although qualifying for the final seemed far-fetched. But the White Ferns defied the odds and not only reached the semi-finals as the second-best team in Group A, they also defeated former champions West Indies in a thrilling clash to qualify for the final for the first time in 14 years.

Suzie Bates held her nerve in the final over of the semi-final clash in Sharjah on Friday as she defended 15 runs in the only over she bowled in the match, helping New Zealand win by eight runs. The right-arm middle bowler conceded a four off his first delivery but then took a wicket and allowed just two runs over the rest of the over.

The victory saw New Zealand, who were runners-up in the first two editions (2009 and 2010) of the T20 World Cup, return to the final for the first time in 14 years. In the final on Sunday in Dubai they will face South Africa, where a champion will be crowned for the first time. Earlier on Thursday, South Africa surprised defending champions Australia, winning by eight wickets and reaching the final for the second year in a row.

After the game, the West Indies players were dejected. Deandra Dottin had tears in her eyes and so did Captain Hayley Matthews as they walked out to shake hands. The 2016 champions were hoping to qualify for the final for the second time in history.

While there was anguish in the Windies camp, the New Zealand players cried in disbelief. Bates, who took part in New Zealand's 2009 and 2010 finals, had tears in her eyes, albeit with joy. The image was followed by Amelia Kerr jumping on top of her teammates while several others hugged each other.

“We’re going to win this thing now.”

After a stunning display from her bowlers Amelia Kerr, who was the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps, and Eden Carson, who also bowled superbly, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine was optimistic about the final.

“We are really looking forward to the final. We have nothing to lose and this is a great place to be,” said Devine, who was part of the team that lost by three runs to Australia in the 2010 final, the last of New Zealand’s previous two finals.

“We’re going to win this thing now.”