Suzie Bates held her nerve in the final over as New Zealand advanced to the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time in 14 years with an eight-run victory over West Indies on Friday.
Bates (1-6) bowled her only over with West Indies needing 15 more runs to win the semifinal match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. She conceded a four off the first delivery before taking a wicket and conceding only two runs in the rest of the over.
Eden Carson took 3-29, while Amelia Kerr picked up 2-14 in four overs, as New Zealand restricted West Indies' chase to 120-8 in 20 overs. This was after 2016 champion West Indies had bowled well enough to restrain New Zealand to a competitive 128-9 after the White Ferns chose to bat first.
New Zealand is twice runners-up in this tournament – 2009 and 2010.
It will now take on South Africa in Sunday's final at Dubai, where first-time champions will be crowned.
South Africa stunned defending champion Australia in the first semifinal on Thursday, winning by eight wickets to reach its second straight final.
{{/usCountry}}South Africa stunned defending champion Australia in the first semifinal on Thursday, winning by eight wickets to reach its second straight final.
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