In order to advance to Sunday’s Women’s T20 World Cup final against South Africa, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine feels that late cameos from Brooke Halliday (18 from 9) and Isabella Gaze (20 from 14) were crucial in their team’s victory against the West Indies in an exciting semifinal.

West Indies remained in the game until the very last over of the elimination round, thus it came down to the wire. Following the breakdown of the middle order, late cameos helped propel New Zealand to 128/9.

In response, the Kiwis claimed wickets quickly, denying their rivals the opportunity to build the kind of early momentum that allowed them to destroy England in the group stage.

Though skipper Hayley Matthews was still out in the middle at the halfway point of the inning, and again when the explosive Deandra Dottin hammered 23 runs from a single over to set off a nerve-wracking finale, there was still a danger.

After an exciting eight-run victory, Devine said, “It has not sunk in at all.” “I’m still working on regaining my mental clarity after having burned out there. Very honored to be participating in the World Cup final.

The character we have shown over the last 12 to 18 months is what makes me proud. We have received some criticism from those outside of the organization, and the results have not gone our way,” she said.

Speaking on their innings, Devine said that although 130 was a respectable score, it was difficult to defend given the Windies’ lead.

“The way Izzie (Isabella Gaze) batted in the last two to three overs saved our bacon,” Devine said.

“We felt that 130 would be a competitive total and that we had a good chance of winning. Getting wickets often with the ball is usually beneficial. The game is never over, however, when you have players like Hayley and Deandra.

“Dottin is a really good player. She can just smash it over the top, even if you prepare the field for her. We missed a few opportunities that may have made things simpler. West Indies deserves recognition. We have a great deal of respect for them and always knew it would be a difficult game,” she said.

Devine looked to her colleague Suzie Bates, a seasoned player who played in both the 2009 and 2010 championships, when 15 runs were needed off the last over.

And to complete the task for her side, Bates, who had not bowled in the event before, remained composed despite being hit for four on the first ball of the over.

According to Devine, “she has been harping on at us in training that she has been practicing for this.” “That is pretty clutch with just three fielders out, and it was cool for Suzie to do it to finish things off.”

Devine is eager to face Proteas in the championship match. We have nothing to lose in this last game, which has me incredibly pumped, and that’s a terrific place to be. We have to win this right now, and we will rejoice tonight,” she said.

“They have amazing qualities. They are South Africa.” Among the world’s finest players is Marianne Kapp, while Laura Wolvaardt leads them from the front. (Anneke) Bosch during Australia’s match… However, we must put our own needs first and hope that the cricket gods are also in our favor.