West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women: Thrilling Fourth Group B Clash in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as the West Indies women took on New Zealand in the fourth Group B match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. From the outset, both sides hinted at a tightly‑contested affair, trading wickets and boundaries in almost equal measure.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that felt logical given the early‑morning moisture. Their opening pair got off to a steady start, with the left‑handed opener anchoring the innings at 30‑runs before she fell to a sharp inward‑swinging delivery from the West Indian pacer, Shakera Selman.

Mid‑innings, the pace attack of Selman and Anisa Mohammed kept the scoring rate in check, but the real fireworks began when the New Zealand middle order, led by veteran captain Suzie Bates, accelerated. Bates smashed a quickfire 45 off 27 balls, peppering the field with a mix of lofted drives and deft flicks.

Despite the late surge, New Zealand were bowled out for 142 in their allotted 20 overs. The West Indian bowlers shared the spoils—Selman finished with 2 for 22, while Mohammed claimed 2 for 18, both delivering economical spells that turned the tide.

Chasing 143, the West Indies innings started on a cautious note. Openers Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor paced themselves, rotating the strike and ensuring the required run‑rate didn’t spiral out of control. At 48 for 1 after eight overs, the partnership seemed solid, but a couple of quick wickets—Taylor edged a delivery from Amelia Kerr—brought the momentum back into New Zealand’s hands.

The turning point arrived in the death overs. With 30 runs needed off the final six balls, the West Indies enlisted the explosive power of Britney Cooper. She struck a towering six over mid‑wicket, followed by a quick 12 off two balls, leaving New Zealand breathless.

In the end, the West Indies posted 144 for 6, clinching a four‑run win. The celebration was joyous, with teammates swarming the field and fans cheering wildly. New Zealand, though disappointed, walked off with heads held high, knowing they’d given their opponents a fierce fight.

Looking ahead, both teams now have a crucial match to play. The West Indies will aim to build on this confidence, while New Zealand will be eager to bounce back and keep their World Cup hopes alive.