Skipper Aimee Watkins led New Zealand into the final of the women’s World Twenty20 with a rousing 52-run win over India in Nottingham, England, on Thursday.
Watkins, who won the toss and elected to bat at Trent Bridge, smashed an unbeaten 89 off 58 balls as the White Ferns scored 145-5 and then restricted India to 93-9 at Trent Bridge.
The New Zealand captain’s score was higher than the men’s best of 88 by West Indian captain Chris Gayle against Australia in their ongoing World Twenty20.
PHOTO: AP
India, hoping to make up for the absence of the men’s team from the semi-finals, managed just four runs more than Watkins’ own contribution as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Amita Sharma top-scored for the Indians with 24 off 27 balls, hitting the only six of the innings, while opener Mithali Raj made 20.
Eight Indians failed to reach double figures as Sian Ruck and Amy Satterthwaite picked up two wickets each.
Watkins plundered 10 boundaries and two sixes even as none of her teammates managed to reach 20.
Watkins and Sophie Devine (14 not out) added 25 runs from the last 12 balls, including a six by Watkins off the final delivery of the innings by Rumeli Dhar.
Asked if Thursday’s effort was her best batting performance, Watkins said: “I’ve played some good innings, so I can’t really say. But this would be one of my best.”
India captain Jhulan Goswami said: “Aimee Watkins played superbly and 145 was a good performance. We tried to restrict them to less than 130 but the openers didn’t give us a good start.”
Team manager Diana Edulji said there was much to work ahead.
“Our fielding is on the weaker side but we took some good catches and there was a good run-out today,” she said. “We have learned a lot from this experience and will take plenty of positives out of the tournament.”
New Zealand, who also entered the final of the 50-overs-a-side World Cup in Australia in March where they lost to England, have won all their four matches so far.
They were awaiting the winner of yesterday’s second semi-final between Australia and England at the Oval in tomorrow’s final at Lord’s.
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