The stage is set for the finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa already secured their spot after beating Australia yesterday. And now joining the lady Proteas will be the White Ferns. The New Zealand Women’s side edged away from the West Indies side in the second final with an 8-run win.
A sensational last over from Kiwi legend Susie Bates ensured that the White Ferns secured their spot in the finals of the tournament. The veteran all-rounder was tasked to defend 15 runs in the ultimate over. And as fate would have it, Susie Bates flourished with flying colors.
Susie Bates takes Kiwis to Final, Deandra Dottin falters
The second semi-finals was more or less the clash between the two legends of the game. Susie Bates vs Deandra Dottin. While the former overcame all odds, Dottin on the other hand, despite a strong performance, saw herself and her team knocked out of the semi-finals.
Batting first the Kiwis went on to score 128/9 in 20 overs. Susie Bates’s 26 and Georgia Plimmer’s 33 set the pace before the middle order collapsed. Down the order came two quick-firing knocks from Brooke Halliday (18) and Isabella Gaze (20) who helped their side reach a respectable total.
Deandra Dottin was once again the star of the show with a four-fer to her name while Afy Fletcher picked up a brace. But the batting for the Caribbean side wasn’t up to the mark. While the batters went on to score decent runs, they needed a big knock from someone.
Deandra Dottin yet again shined brightly with her 33-run knock, but she could help her team overcome the White Ferns. Eden Carson picked 3 wickets while Amelia Kerr scalped two crucial wickets. Eventually, in the end it was Susie Bates who bowled the last over, defended 15 runs, gave away 6 runs, picked a wicket and sent her side to the finals.