Not many had backed New Zealand and the West Indies to make the semi-finals of this Women’s T20 World Cup. But both teams proved their doubters wrong and punched above their weight to set up a last-four date at Sharjah on Friday.

For New Zealand, this is their first semi-final appearance since the 2016 edition, while the Windies entered the last-four stage for the first time since 2018.

The White Ferns began their Cup campaign solidly by thrashing India. They were beaten by Australia thereafter but regrouped to prevail over Sri Lanka before a pathetic Pakistan helped their cause to confirm their place in the semi-finals.

West Indies, on the other hand, began poorly with a harrowing 10-wicket loss to South Africa. But they stunned everyone to bounce back with three victories on the trot.

SA in final

Anneke Bosch hit an unbeaten 74 as South Africa Women reached the final beating their Australian counterparts by eight wickets in the first semi-final in Dubai on Thursday. South Africa overhauled Australia’s 134/5 with 16 balls remaining.

South Africa thus exacted revenge for their loss in the last final when Australia won by 19 runs to lift their sixth title.

Brief scores: Australia 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Tahlia McGrath 27; Ayabonga Khaka 2/24). SA 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch not out 74, Laura Wolvaardt 42; Annabel Sutherland 2/26). SA won by 8 wickets.