With an all-win record in the group stages of the women’s WT20 tournament, New Zealand will aim to continue their momentum and seal a place in the final when they take on the West Indies in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
New Zealand come into the match after winning all four matches comfortably in the group stages against Sri Lanka, Ireland, Australia and South Africa. The team are the favourites to win the tie and seal a place in the final scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens on April 3.
On the other hand, the West Indies have lost one match against England but have outclassed Pakistan, Bangladesh and India to make it to the semis.
New Zealand will rely on in-form batsman and captain Suzie Bates, who has led from the front with the bat, and currently sits at the top of the run-getters list with 171 runs in four matches.
The skipper and Rachel Priest have come out as one of the destructive batting pair in women’s cricket at present.
The likes of Sophie Devine, Sara McGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite in the middle order strengthen the batting line-up.
Besides their strong batting, the spin trio of Leigh Kasperek, Morna Nielsen and Erin Bermingham have bowled outstandingly.
Batsman Stafanie Taylor, with 162 runs from four matches, has been West Indies’ most consistent performer is placed third in the list of top run-getters.
The team will rely on the 24-year-old to fire for them again in the crucial match.
Deandra Dottin, Healey Matthews and Shaquana Quintyne have also come good in the ongoing tournament and skipper Taylor will hope the team plays to their potential and delivers against an in-form New Zealand side.
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