West Indies Kick Off Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 With Victory Over New Zealand

West Indies started their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing seven-wicket win over defending champions New Zealand at The Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Set a target of 163 runs, the Caribbean side reached it with one ball to spare, losing only three wickets along the way. Shemaine Campbelle played a crucial innings, while captain Hayley Matthews also made an important contribution to help her team get over the line.

The knock of Campbelle was remarkable, as she scored a brilliant unbeaten 90 from 62 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. Matthews also played a key role, scoring 48 off 37 deliveries with the help of six boundaries and a six.

Talking about the first innings, New Zealand finished on 162-6 in their 20 overs. Aaliyah Alleyne was the standout performer with the ball, producing an excellent spell that made scoring difficult for the Kiwi batters.

Brooke Halliday fought hard for the defending champions and ended as their highest scorer with 40 runs from 32 balls, including five fours.

Opener Isabella Gaze provided a bright start at the top of the order, making 39 off 29 deliveries with eight boundaries before being dismissed.

Maddy Green also made an important contribution, staying unbeaten on 35 from 22 balls. Her innings included four fours and a six, helping New Zealand post a competitive total of 162 in the first innings.

The defending champions will now look to make a strong comeback in the next match, whereas West Indies will try to continue this momentum to stay ahead in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.