'I think lot of people wrote us off coming into T20 World Cup' - Hayley Matthews reacts after West Indies reach semi-finals

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews expressed her happiness after her team got the better of England in what was a virtual quarter-final clash in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday, October 16, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

The West Indies made it to the semi-finals at the marquee event for the first time since 2018. This was also their first win against England in the shortest format of the game since 2019. They had suffered 13 consecutive losses against the Brits before the six-wicket win on Tuesday. This result helped them complete a sensational turnaround after they had lost their opening clash against South Africa by 10 wickets.

Many had doubted the West Indies' chances of progressing to the semifinals considering they had first-round exits in in the last two World Cups. However, half-centuries from Matthews and Qiana Joseph helped the Caribbean unit to track down a 142-run target with two overs to spare.

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"Yeah, it was just massive jubilation. I think we're just incredibly proud of what we've been able to do so far this tournament. I think a lot of people wrote us off coming into this tournament and the way we've been able to go about our cricket, especially after the start we had against South Africa, we've just bounced back against Scotland, against Bangladesh, and I think we haven't beat England in about six years," Matthews said at the post-match press conference after the Caribbean side finished in pole position in Group B.

"As far as I can remember, the last time we beat them was back in 2018, but everyone still came here with a belief and a fight. And it just shows what we can do as a West Indian team. I think a lot of people coming up against us know that if it is one thing we've got, it's a lot of hearts and a lot of fights. And we just showed that today," she added.

Australia vs South Africa, West Indies vs New Zealand in semi-finals

The first semi-final will be a repeat of last edition's summit clash as Group A toppers and defending champions Australia take on Group B runners-up South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 17.

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Meanwhile, the West Indies lock horns with New Zealand in the second semi-final on Friday, October 18, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. The final is set to be played in Dubai on Sunday, October 20, as fans gear up to witness the action at the business end of the ninth Women's T20 World Cup.