Southampton, June 14: The West Indies kicked off the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England with a memorable victory. In a thrilling match at the Rose Bowl, the Caribbean team defeated defending champions New Zealand by 7 wickets. Chasing a target of 163 runs, the West Indies achieved it in just 19.5 overs, losing 3 wickets in the process. Shemaine Campbell was the standout performer, delivering a powerful innings.
The West Indies’ chase did not start well, as Kiana Joseph was dismissed for just 2 runs. However, Hayley Matthews and Campbell steadied the innings, forming a crucial partnership of 74 runs for the second wicket off 61 balls. Matthews scored 48 runs off 37 balls, hitting 6 fours and a six, while Campbell continued her impressive batting from the other end.
Campbell faced 62 balls, remaining unbeaten with a score of 90 runs, leading her team to victory. During her innings, she maintained a strike rate of 145, hitting 7 fours and 3 towering sixes. Deandra Dottin had a quiet outing, scoring only 6 runs before being dismissed, while Jahzara Claxton remained not out at 5 runs. For New Zealand, Jess Kerr was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets.
Earlier, New Zealand managed to score 162 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Their innings got off to a rocky start, with Georgia Plimmer returning to the pavilion after scoring just 8 runs. Captain Amelia Kerr managed only 5 runs, and although Sophie Devine started strong, she was dismissed for 22 runs off 15 balls. Isabella Gaze contributed 39 runs off 29 balls, hitting 8 fours.
Brooke Halliday played well under pressure, scoring 40 runs off 32 balls, while Maddy Green remained not out with 35 runs off 22 balls, including 4 fours and a six. For the West Indies, Alia Elene was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs in her 4 overs, while Matthews and Dottin each claimed one wicket.
Leave a Comment