England's Maia Bouchier returns to the pavilion after being dismissed in the match against West Indies in Dubai on Tuesday. — Reuters
A powerful opening partnership by Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews propelled West Indies to a six-wicket victory over England, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup on Tuesday. Joseph scored her maiden T20 international half-century with 52 runs, and captain Matthews contributed a 38-ball 50 as West Indies successfully chased down England's total of 141-7 with 12 balls remaining. South Africa also advanced to the final four from Group B, while England was eliminated from the competition.
"Incredibly proud of the team. We were up against it tonight, but to perform like that with the bat, especially with Joseph scoring her first T20I fifty — it's a great moment," said Matthews.
"We've been chasing targets in this tournament and we trust ourselves to achieve whatever runs are set." Matthews set the tone for the West Indies' chase, smashing a six and two boundaries in the first over bowled by Lauren Bell. Joseph followed suit, hitting left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for two consecutive fours, propelling West Indies to 55-0 in the first five overs.
Matthews targeted Charlie Dean, hitting three boundaries over the square leg fence in the sixth over. England's fielding was lackluster, with five regulation catches being dropped. Joseph, named player of the match, was dismissed in the 13th over after hitting two sixes and six fours in her 38-ball innings. Matthews also departed shortly after, but Deandra Dottin's 27 runs ensured West Indies' first win against England in 14 matches and their first away win in 10 years.
"Credit to them, they came at us hard, played the conditions well, and put us under pressure. It's tough to accept, but credit to Hayley and her team," said England captain Heather Knight.
"We bowled too short and they capitalized on it." England, batting first, lost Danni Wyatt-Hodge (16) early, caught brilliantly by Dottin (1-16) off Matthews (2-35). Dottin was soon in action again, running out Alice Capsey for one with a sharp throw to wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle. England suffered another setback when opener Maia Bouchier (14) was caught off leg-spinner Afy Fletcher (3-21) at extra cover, reducing the side to 34-3 by the seventh over.
Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt (57) rebuilt the innings, adding 46 runs for the fourth wicket. After Knight retired hurt on 21 due to a calf strain, Fletcher dismissed Amy Jones (7) and Charlie Dean (5) in consecutive overs. Sciver-Brunt was the standout batter for England, hitting five fours in her unbeaten 50-ball knock.
