West Indies Women seal second straight T20 World Cup semifinal after England knock out New Zealand

West Indies Women have booked a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals for the second tournament running, even though their own campaign hit a setback earlier in the day.

The Caribbean side fell to Ireland by six wickets and were left hoping England could defeat New Zealand to keep their last-four ambitions alive. That result came when England won by nine wickets, knocking the defending champions out of the competition and confirming the West Indies’ semifinal berth.

Ireland, meanwhile, snapped a 21-match winless run at the tournament. Orla Prendergast’s half-century powered them to a landmark win — their first in five T20 World Cup appearances.

The West Indies will now await the identity of their semifinal foe from Group A.

Batting first against Ireland, the West Indies laboured to 128 for seven. Ireland overhauled the total with six wickets standing and 11 deliveries left, bringing their lengthy losing sequence at the event to an end.

That loss meant the West Indies’ fate rested on England’s clash with New Zealand.

With the bat, the West Indies once again failed to build momentum. Qiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbelle both departed cheaply, and by the third over the score read 27 for two.

Captain Hayley Matthews made 22 from 25 balls before her dismissal left the innings at 50 for three in the ninth over. Stafanie Taylor contributed 16 and Deandra Dottin ground out 21 at a slow tempo as the batting line continued to labour.

Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten 27 lent late impetus and helped the side reach 128 for seven. Cara Murray, with two for 13, and Aimee Maguire, two for 22, led Ireland’s bowling attack.

In the field, the West Indies spurned an early opportunity when Amy Hunter was dropped on three — a miss that undermined their defence of a modest total.

Ashmini Munisar struck soon after, removing Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for nine as the hosts slipped to 28 for one.

Player of the Match Orla Prendergast then compiled 63 from 44 deliveries and joined Amy Hunter, who made 28, in a decisive 66-run stand that swung the match Ireland’s way.

Munisar finished with two for 28 from four overs, but Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 16 saw Ireland home with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.