In a World Cup full of surprises, including neither England or India making it out of the group stage and Australia falling short in their semi-final, New Zealand’s place in the final is arguably the biggest shock of all.
They were placed in what was considered the tougher group with India and Australia, and had lost their 10 previous T20s in the build-up to the tournament.
But, eight of those coming against England and defending champions Australia seems to have worked in their favour because they had been put under plenty of pressure and tested significantly. It means they can handle the crunch moments when they come.
The overall feeling was that 128-9 was below-par against West Indies, with their batters attempting to accelerate but both the pitch and the accurate bowling did not allow a free-flowing style of play.
With the benefit of knowing the surface’s condition when it came to defence, their spinners twirled away relentlessly with Kerr continuing her impressive tournament, taking her tally to 12 and to the top of the wicket-taking charts so far.
Carson ensured their perfect start, bowling the one-dimensional Joseph, who swiped across the line, Shemaine Campbell then chipped to Bates at cover for three before Taylor, struggling with a sore knee, missed a sweep.
When Matthews fell to Lea Tahuhu in the 11th over to leave West Indies 51-4, their hopes lay solely on Dottin’s shoulders and she seemed fully prepared to accept the responsibility, clubbing 23 from Tahuhu in the 16th over.
But Kerr and Bates, who so often carry New Zealand alongside Devine, handled the pressure expertly to close out the victory despite the first ball of the final over being beautifully driven for four by Zaida James to send a few shockwaves through the White Ferns’ camp.
Many of the players could not hold in their tears of joy at the final ball, as they take one step closer to history against all odds.
