SCORECARD
Shemaine Campbelle produced the innings of her career as the West Indies pulled off a thrilling seven-wicket victory over defending champions New Zealand in Southampton, completing one of the greatest run chases in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history.

The experienced wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on a magnificent 90 from 62 deliveries, guiding the Caribbean side to 163 for 3 with just one ball remaining. The successful pursuit of 163 was the second-highest run chase ever achieved in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Shemaine Campbelle starred with a magnificent unbeaten 90, guiding the West Indies to a thrilling seven-wicket win over New Zealand with one of the finest innings of her T20I career. Photo by Christopher Lee-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 162 for 6 after being sent in to bat. Isabella Gaze provided early momentum with a fluent 39, sharing a 49-run opening stand with Georgia Plimmer. However, the White Ferns lost key wickets in quick succession as Aaliyah Alleyne struck crucial blows.

Alleyne dismissed both Amelia Kerr and Gaze in similar fashion and later added Brooke Halliday to her tally, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 27. Halliday top-scored for New Zealand with 40, while Maddy Green's unbeaten 35 from 22 balls provided a late boost that helped push the total beyond 160.

West Indies’ chase began nervously when Qiana Joseph was run out following a mix-up with captain Hayley Matthews in just the second over. Matthews, however, settled quickly and received an early reprieve when a chance was spilled in the deep.

The captain then combined with Campbelle to steady the innings with a match-defining partnership. The pair guided the West Indies to 69 for 1 at the halfway mark, with Campbelle surviving an lbw appeal after successfully reviewing the decision.

New Zealand's fielding woes proved costly as both Matthews and Campbelle were handed additional chances. Matthews looked set for a half-century before falling for 48, caught at long-on off Jess Kerr.

With the pressure mounting, Campbelle shifted gears brilliantly. Displaying composure and power in equal measure, she launched Amelia Kerr for two sixes in one over and brought up her maiden T20I half-century in style.

Despite losing Deandra Dottin late in the innings, Campbelle remained calm and guided the chase deep into the final over. With four runs needed from the last six balls, West Indies edged closer before a leg-bye off the penultimate delivery sparked jubilant celebrations.

Campbelle's match-winning knock featured seven boundaries and three sixes and will be remembered as one of the finest innings in West Indies women's cricket history.

Scores in Brief
New Zealand 162/6 (20 overs)
Brooke Halliday 40, Isabella Gaze 39
Aaliyah Alleyne 4/27, Deandra Dottin 1/22

West Indies 163/3 (19.5 overs)
Shemaine Campbelle 90* (62), Hayley Matthews 48
Jess Kerr 2/17

Result: West Indies won by seven wickets.