West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women: Shemaina Campbelle’s unbeaten 90 guides West Indies Women to a dramatic win after New Zealand posted 162/6 in a high-scoring Group B encounter.
The West Indies Women produced a composed and clinical run chase to defeat New Zealand Women by seven wickets in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash, reaching 163/3 in 19.5 overs after New Zealand had earlier posted a competitive 162/6 from their 20 overs.
At the heart of the successful chase was veteran wicketkeeper-batter Shemaina Campbelle, whose unbeaten 90 off 62 deliveries proved to be the difference between the two sides. Her match-winning innings earned her the Player of the Match award and helped the Caribbean side secure a crucial victory in the tournament. West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women
New Zealand Build Competitive Total
After being asked to bat, New Zealand Women put together a strong total of 162/6, thanks to several valuable contributions throughout the innings.
Wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze provided an aggressive start with 39 runs from just 29 balls, striking eight boundaries. Although her innings ended before she could convert it into a half-century, she gave New Zealand early momentum.
Middle-order batter Brooke Halliday continued the positive approach, scoring 40 from 32 deliveries with five fours. Her partnership helped stabilize the innings after a few wickets fell during the middle overs.
Experienced all-rounder Sophie Devine chipped in with a brisk 22 off 15 balls, while captain Amelia Kerr added 5 runs. Towards the end, Maddy Green remained unbeaten on 35 from only 22 balls, ensuring New Zealand crossed the 160-run mark.
For West Indies, Aaliyah Alleyne was the standout bowler. She produced a disciplined spell of 4 for 27 from her four overs, consistently breaking partnerships and preventing New Zealand from accelerating in the closing stages. Captain Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin claimed one wicket each. West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women.
Campbelle Anchors Outstanding Chase
Chasing 163 for victory, West Indies suffered an early setback when Qiana Joseph was run out for just 2. However, the innings was rebuilt brilliantly by captain Hayley Matthews and Shemaina Campbelle.
Matthews played with her trademark aggression, scoring 48 from 37 balls, including six boundaries and a six. Her attacking approach kept the required rate under control and shifted pressure back onto the New Zealand bowlers.
The defining innings, however, came from Campbelle. Showing a perfect balance between patience and attacking intent, she struck 90 not out from 62 deliveries, hitting seven fours and three sixes. She paced the chase expertly, rotating the strike when required and punishing loose deliveries.
After Matthews departed just short of a deserved half-century, Campbelle continued to guide the innings. Despite the dismissal of Deandra Dottin for 6, there was no panic in the West Indies camp.
Supported by Jahzara Claxton, who remained unbeaten on 5, Campbelle steered the Caribbean side home with one ball remaining, sealing a memorable victory. West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women.
New Zealand Bowlers Struggle to Contain Run Flow
New Zealand’s bowling attack found it difficult to halt West Indies’ momentum during the chase. Jess Kerr was the most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 from four overs and dismissing both Matthews and Dottin.
However, the remaining bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure. Captain Amelia Kerr conceded 41 runs, while Nensi Patel and Bree Illing proved expensive as West Indies maintained a scoring rate above eight runs per over.
Turning Point
The partnership between Hayley Matthews and Shemaina Campbelle proved decisive. Their stand not only repaired the early damage caused by Joseph’s run-out but also laid the foundation for a successful chase. Once the pair settled, New Zealand found it increasingly difficult to create wicket-taking opportunities. West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women.
Campbelle’s ability to stay unbeaten until the finish ensured there were no late nerves, while Matthews’ aggressive strokeplay prevented the required run rate from climbing.
End of the day
The victory gives West Indies Women valuable momentum in Group B and strengthens their chances of progressing deeper into the tournament. For New Zealand Women, the defeat serves as a reminder that even competitive totals can quickly come under threat when opposition batters execute a chase with composure and confidence.
With both teams expected to be contenders in the competition, this contest showcased the quality, intensity, and drama that fans can expect throughout the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
