New Zealand defeated the West Indies by an exciting eight runs, advancing them to the Women’s T20 World Cup final.

The White Ferns maintained their composure to guarantee their spot in the final, where they will play South Africa on Sunday in Dubai, despite the outstanding play of West Indies star Deandra Dottin.

With a thrilling eight-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah on Friday, New Zealand eliminated Deandra Dottin’s threat to secure their spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup final. The all-rounder blasted a spectacular 33 from 22 balls with three sixes as West Indies finished just short of 120-8 after Dottin’s 4-22 held the White Ferns to 128-9.

In Sunday’s final in Dubai, New Zealand will play South Africa, who defeated the reigning winners Australia on Thursday. With Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33) adding 48 for the first wicket, New Zealand, who lost in the finals of the first two tournaments in 2009 and 2010, got off to a strong start. However, Dottin intervened to dismiss Rosemary Mair, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, who scored a quick 18, and Maddy Green as the innings stalled.

The Kiwi bowlers had a target to defend after Isabella Gaze’s late hitting of 20 off 14 balls.

The game improved after captain Hayley Matthews was removed for 15 after the West Indies struggled at the top of their innings against some accurate bowling. But Dottin brought the West Indies back into the match with a hammering 33 off 22 balls, including three sixes.

Zaida James (14) and Afy Fletcher (17 not out) continued to fight when she fell, with New Zealand winning the match only in the final over. Eden Carson, an off-spinner from New Zealand, won Player of the Match after scoring 3-29 off four overs.

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