A clinical bowling display, followed by ruthless batting, saw New Zealand blow West Indies away and secure top spot in Group C
Players of New Zealand celebrate following the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and West Indies at JB Marks Oval on January 19, 2023 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
A clinical bowling display, followed by ruthless batting, saw New Zealand blow West Indies away and secure top spot in Group C of the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
Player of the match Kate Chandler snaffled three for 8 in four overs, as the Kiwis ripped the West Indians out for just 68, in 19.2 overs. There was simply no go forward for the Windies, as every single one of the Kiwi bowlers hit their straps, justifying the decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
Leg-spinner Chandler was a handful, getting good turn from the surface, as she got Djenaba Joseph smartly stumped for her first wicket. Abigail Hotton picked up a pair of wickets in the middle overs, as West Indies crashed to 40 for five at the midway point of their innings.
That their total reached 68 was down to the Kiwis conceded 25 extras, including 16 wides. That will be something they will look to eradicate ahead of the Super Sixes, but there was no stopping them in their final group match.
The final wicket of the Windies innings summed up their day. K D Jazz Mitchell was very nearly caught at mid-off but was then run out as she attempted the single off Kayley Knight’s bowling. Hotton, at mid-off, threw down the stumps smartly, and ended the West Indians’ misery.
New Zealand then made quick work of their target, with openers Georgia Plimmer (41 off 22 balls) and Anna Browning (28 off 22 balls) both scoring freely to win inside eight overs. Browning was dropped in the process, as she looked to add to her four boundaries.
Plimmer was even more fluent, smashing seven boundaries to rush home with 76 balls to spare.
Both teams now move onto the Super Sixes, though with differing moods. New Zealand are growing in confidence, while the West Indies will be keen to bounce back as soon as possible.
Scores in brief:
Toss: New Zealand, who opted to bowl first.
West Indies 68 all out in 19.2 overs (Earnisha Fontaine 11 not out, Kate Chandler three for 8, Abigail Hotton two for 10, Olivia Anderson two for 14)
New Zealand 72 without loss in 7.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 41 not out, Anna Browning 28 not out)
New Zealand won by ten wickets.
With thanks to the ICC
