New Zealand, West Indies in Women’s semi-finals

Buoyed by a comprehensive win against South Africa, New Zealand was in their element once again as they brushed aside Sri Lanka by eight wickets to seal a semi-final spot at the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in Galle on Sunday. Sri Lanka’s best chance of winning was to set a formidable total around 120, and for the first few overs, it looked like they were well on their way towards that. Inoka Galagedara (14) and Shashikala Siriwardena (14) looked to set a solid platform, but a familiar batting collapse saw them crumble to 89 all out in 17.4 overs, as the last seven wickets added just 49. The chase was akin to a stroll in the park for New Zealand, who bulldozed their way to the target in 15.4  overs. Sri Lanka’s approach with the ball was uninspiring. Siriwardena, extremely proactive with her field settings in the game against West Indies, strangely went on the defensive right from the outset. Despite losing Suzie Bates for 16, the in-form Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite made full use of the field restrictions to plunder 42 off the first six overs. From there on, victory was a mere formality. Meanwhile, Stafanie Taylor’s all-round effort helped West Indies breeze into the semi-finals with a clinical rout of South Africa in their last league game in Galle on Sunday. West Indies, who might have perhaps carried a few scars from their loss to Sri Lanka on Friday, brushed those memories aside in a dominant display to chase down a modest 71 in just 9.4 overs and win by ten wickets. At the forefront of the chase was Taylor, who followed her three wickets with a fierce 33. Giving her company was Juliana Nero, who was unbeaten on 30, as West Indies cruised home in style.