New Zealand Bat First in T20 World Cup Semi-Final Against West Indies

New Zealand Elects to Bat First in T20 World Cup Semi-Final Against West Indies

In a crucial semi-final clash of the Women's T20 World Cup, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first after winning the toss against West Indies in Sharjah on Friday. West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews had expressed her preference for bowling first, but Devine's decision was driven by her desire to put runs on the board and exert pressure on the opposition.

New Zealand fielded an unchanged lineup from their victory over Pakistan, while West Indies made one alteration to the team that had demolished England in their final group stage match. The experienced Stafanie Taylor returned to the XI in place of Chedean Nation, who had opened the innings and impressed with a 52-run knock in Taylor's absence due to a knee injury.

The two teams have faced each other four times previously in T20 World Cups, with New Zealand holding a 2-0 advantage. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides.

West Indies:

* Hayley Matthews (captain)

* Qiana Joseph

* Shemaine Campbelle (wicket-keeper)

* Deandra Dottin

* Stafanie Taylor

* Chinelle Henry

* Zaida James

* Ashmini Munisar

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Afy Fletcher

* Karishma Ramharack

New Zealand:

* Suzie Bates

* Georgia Plimmer

* Amelia Kerr

* Sophie Devine (captain)

* Brooke Halliday

* Maddy Green

* Isabella Gaze (wicket-keeper)

* Lea Tahuhu

* Rosemary Mair

* Eden Carson

* Fran Jonas

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #NewZealand, #WestIndies, #SophieDevine, #HayleyMatthews