by Mick the Ram

In a major shock, the West Indies have chased down a challenging target at the Women’ T20 World Cup in Dubai and in doing so not only topped their group and made it to the semi-finals, but also eliminated England from the tournament.

England’s 141-7 appeared to be a highly competitive score, but the West Indies made light work of it passing the total with two overs to spare to win by six wickets.

Qiana Jopseph and Hayley Matthews smashed 67 runs in the powerplay to set up the victory although their cause was helped considerably by their opponents dropping five catches.

It is the first time that England have failed to make it out of the group stage of a World Cup since 2010.

For the West Indies they move on to face New Zealand in a last four clash on Friday 18 October in Sharjah.

Steady but not spectacular

As the second highest ranking team in the competition, England would have expected to progress beyond the group stage, but the West Indies had other ideas.

England’s innings, whilst never fluent and possibly a little short of par, still seemed to be more than enough to overcome a side they had beaten in 13 successive T20’s prior to this match.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 57 from 50 provided the backbone assisted for a time by skipper Heather Knight, who decisively had to retire hurt, and her absence would prove crucial.

Positive approach pays dividends

In reply, captain Hayley Matthews posted an early warning by taking 14 from Lauren Bell’s opening over, and Qiana Joseph simply followed suit. The pair blasted away and with 67 on the board at the conclusion of the powerplay, they had put their team in a wonderful position.

They kept the pace going and added 102 for the opening wicket. Five times Joseph was put down by some very mediocre fielding and both openers made half-centuries, each facing just 38 deliveries.

Easing into the semis

When there was a bit of a wobble, Deandra Dottin – the player who unexpectedly reversed her two-year retirement from international cricket in July – steadied the ship with a quick fire cameo of 27 from only 19 balls to see his team home.

She also took three catches, executed a run-out and took  the wicket of Dani Gibson to help see the West Indies into top spot in the group and set up a semi-final with New Zealand.

Pride in the camp

Hayley Matthews said she was incredibly “proud” of her group of players and stated that they always back themselves to chase whatever runs are put on the board. She felt that the side were “peaking at the right time”.

Qiana Joseph took the Player of the Match award explained hoe her opening partner had told her to back herself: “I feel real happy and I could not do it without Jesus Christ and my teammates supporting me all along the way.

Current T20 World Cup holders Australia will meet South Africa on 17 October in the other semi-final.