And that wraps up the final league game, where the West Indies Women powered through, knocking England Women out of the tournament! Meanwhile, South Africa, with a superior net run rate, has secured their spot as the second team to qualify from Group B. The battles are only set to get fiercer as we move into the semifinals! In the first semifinal, the unbeaten, defending champions, Australia, will face off against South Africa on October 17th. This will be followed by the second semifinal on October 18th, featuring the West Indies taking on New Zealand. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 2 pm GMT, and as always, we’ll be here well before the action starts with our pre-game buildup. Make sure to join us for more thrilling cricket! Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Hayley Matthews the victorious skipper says, that it feels great and them being against all odds the way the team came hard was exceptional. Adds that they have been very successful chasing for over a year now and they backed themself to do it again. Talks about taking a day off and getting back to the semi-finals against New Zealand and they are up for the challenge and just want to execute it right. Concludes that they have some scope for improvement in the field but this comes close to a perfect game and hopefully it gets better going ahead.

Heather Knight, the skipper of England Women, says that it was a bit frustrating to sit and watch the team suffer. She also continues and gives credit to the West Indies for coming out hard on them. She praises the partnership between Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph. Mentions that she was ready to come back on the field but kept on feeling a tweak. Reckons that they could have done better in fielding. Ends up saying that they played good cricket in the tournament and she is proud of her girls.

Qiana Joseph is the Player of the Match for her outstanding display with the bat in hand. She says that Matthew said her to back herself and go after the bowling with confidence. Adds that she carried her aggressiveness throughout the game and likes a challenge like this. Says that she is happy and thankful to her teammates. Ends by saying that they are very excited about the semi finals

It’s time for the Presentation Ceremony…

Earlier in the game, West Indies Women made early inroads after a decent start from England, reducing them to a precarious 34/3. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight then steadied the ship, building a solid partnership by capitalizing on any loose deliveries. However, England suffered a setback when Heather was forced to retire hurt due to what appeared to be a calf strain, triggering a mini-collapse at the other end. Despite the pressure, Sciver-Brunt held her nerve, reaching a well-earned half-century and guiding England to a competitive total of 141. For West Indies, Afy Fletcher led the charge with three wickets, while Hayley Matthews provided crucial support with two scalps.

Very few would have imagined that England Women, entering this game on the back of three consecutive victories, could be knocked out of the tournament. But such is the unpredictability of the game! At a new venue, they struggled to find their rhythm with the ball, and their fielding shortcomings proved costly. The combination of missed chances and a lack of cohesion ultimately spelt disaster for a team that had shown so much promise thoughout.

With their shoulders slumped and several missed opportunities weighing heavily on them, nothing seemed to go right for England Women in the field or with the ball. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt returned to the attack and finally gave England their much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Qiana Joseph, soon followed by Sarah Glenn, who claimed the wicket of the other set batter, Hayley Matthews. Although both openers fell after crafting well-deserved half-centuries, England briefly glimpsed hope as they piled on some tight overs, creeping a few nerves back into the new batters at the crease. Yet, the veteran Deandra Dottin was determined to ensure that wasn’t the case, unleashing her signature free-flowing shots to stabilize the innings. With her explosive batting, she propelled the West Indies past the anxiety, a momentum that was ultimately sealed by the calm presence of Aaliyah Alleyne!

Chasing a big target of 142 runs, the West Indies roared into action with a spectacular start. The opening pair of Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph wasted no time, unleashing their full aggression and making the England bowlers pay for any loose deliveries. Qiana, in particular, was relentless, charging from the outset with a fierce determination to keep the pressure on. Although a couple of opportunities slipped through the cracks, Qiana Joseph ensured England felt the sting of their mistakes. The duo formed a powerful partnership, blitzing through the powerplay and racking up a staggering 67 runs in just six overs that broke the back of the chase.

Pure joy erupts in the West Indian camp! England is in utter distraught! The West Indies have effortlessly dismantled a massive target, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in world cricket! Take a bow, Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews, who unleashed a storm with their explosive batting! The West Indies seal this virtual quarter-final game in style with a commanding 6-wicket victory, cruising into the semifinals with 2 overs to spare and sending England packing from the tournament. What a remarkable performance!

17.6 – That will do! West Indies Women win the game and qualify to the Semis!

Batsman_1 : Aaliyah Alleyne 6(4)

Batsman_2 : Chinelle Henry 0(0)

Bowler : Sophie Ecclestone 1/21(4)

Over : 18

Run : 6

Wicket : 1

Score : 142/4

17.5 – Full and on middle and leg, Aaliyah Alleyne drives it back to the bowler.

17.4 – No run.

17.3 – Four!

Aaliyah Alleyne walks in next! West Indies Women need 6 more runs to win.

17.2 – OUT! b Sophie Ecclestone.

17.1 – No run.

16.6 – OUT! run out (Alice Capsey / Amy Jones).

Chinelle Henry walks out to bat next for West Indies Women!

16.6 – OUT!