West Indies Secure Semifinal Spot in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 with Win Over England

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Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews led the West Indies to a decisive six-wicket win over England, securing their place in the semifinals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Both openers smashed rapid half-centuries, with Joseph scoring 52 and Matthews adding 50.

This allowed the 2016 champions to comfortably chase down a target of 142 with two overs to spare. In doing so, they eliminated England from the tournament. Nat Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 57 gave England a competitive total of 141, but it was no match for the explosive batting display from Joseph and Matthews.

Their partnership kept West Indies well ahead of the required run rate throughout the chase. The West Indies' progression from Group B was confirmed, advancing alongside South Africa on superior net run rate despite all three teams finishing with six points.

The West Indies topped the group and will face New Zealand in the semifinals on Friday, while Australia will take on South Africa in the first semifinal on Thursday. England's innings got off to a cautious start, but Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge began finding their rhythm, each hitting a boundary in the opening overs.

However, West Indies quickly struck back. Deandra Dottin took a stunning catch off Hayley Matthews' bowling to dismiss Wyatt-Hodge for 16. Alice Capsey followed just five balls later, run out after a sharp throw from Dottin, leaving England at 34 for three after Bouchier's dismissal.

Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight then steadied the innings, with Knight scoring 21 from just 13 balls before retiring hurt in the 13th over. Amy Jones, replacing Knight, added only seven runs before being dismissed, as England continued to struggle.

Charlie Dean contributed five before being caught, and Dani Gibson and Sophie Ecclestone added seven each late in the innings. Ecclestone hit a six in the final over, helping England reach 141. In response, Matthews and Joseph gave the West Indies a flying start.

Matthews hit a six in the first over and Joseph followed up with a boundary from her first ball. The pair raced to 50 runs in just 27 balls, with Joseph being dropped on 31 by Capsey. Joseph went on to register her first international T20 half-century before being dismissed for 52. Matthews also brought up her half-century but fell shortly after for 50.

Despite the quick dismissals of their openers, Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle kept the momentum going. Although Campbelle was run out for five and Dottin was bowled for 27, Aaliyah Alleyne ensured the win with a boundary on her first ball and sealed the chase with 12 balls remaining.

This victory guaranteed West Indies and South Africa spots in the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, along with hosts England. Teams from Group A, including Australia, New Zealand, and India, also secured their places. The remaining slots will be determined by rankings and qualifiers.

England 141/7 from 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 57, Heather Knight 21; Afy Fletcher 3/21, Hayley Matthews 2/35)
West Indies 142/4 from 18 overs (Qiana Joseph 52, Hayley Matthews 50; Sarah Glenn 1/20, Sophie Ecclestone 1/21)

West Indies win by six wickets

Semifinal lineup:

Semi Final 1 - Australia (A1) v South Africa (B2) on 17 Oct in Dubai

Semi Final 2 - West Indies (B1) v New Zealand (A2) on 18 Oct in Sharjah