WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Leading all-rounder Hayley Matthews said there was widespread relief in the West Indies camp after a “nerve-wracking” wait to find out their fate in the final four of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
West Indies finished their group stage with seven points from three wins, three defeats, and a no-result, but they were aware they could be overtaken in third by England and India, who had a game to spare.
However, on a dramatic day on Sunday, England thrashed Bangladesh by 100 runs. Still, India, needing to beat South Africa in Christchurch to leapfrog West Indies, slumped to a three-wicket defeat to South Africa off the last ball.
With the win, England climbed to third on eight points while West Indies slipped to fourth but managed to secure the all-important last semi-final spot.
All smiles: Hayley Matthews (left) and captain Stafanie Taylor are set to face Australia in Wednesday’s semi-final.
“Us waiting on those results was pretty nerve-wracking,” said Matthews.
“I think after losing the game against Pakistan and the rain-out against South Africa, we knew we were in a tight spot, and results had to go our way. So watching the chain of events happen … it was pretty nerve-wracking but pure ecstasy at the end.”
She continued: “It means a whole lot. Coming into this World Cup, we were underdogs. No one had us in their semi-final spots, so to be able to come here and exceed expectations by even just reaching the semi-finals has been excellent.
“Being able to beat some of the bigger teams was massive on our list, and we were able to do that, so I’m thrilled we’ve been able to get into the semi-finals.”
West Indies will take on seemingly impregnable Australia, who played the entire group phase unbeaten to end with seven wins from as many matches.
In their two previous meetings in the tournament, West Indies suffered a 90-run hammering in a warm-up game in Lincoln before going down by seven wickets here in Wellington.
However, Matthews said West Indies had nothing to lose and would be free to chase an upset without any pressure.
“We know the quality team that Australia has but at the same time, I don’t feel like there’s any pressure on us,” said the 24-year-old.
“We’re playing against the best team in the world, and we have to go out there and play our natural game and have fun on the field.
“I think we perform best when we go out there and have fun, and we enjoy ourselves, and I think that’s the exact mindset that we’re going to be out there with come Wednesday.”
Head coach Courtney Walsh said he was thrilled with the achievement, noting it was now crucial for the Caribbean side to “leave everything on the park” against Australia.
“I feel thrilled and proud for the girls. They played some excellent cricket. They deserved to be in it,” Walsh said.
“I know it was a long wait … but you can see all the excitement in the girls, so I’m happy for the team, delighted that we’re here, and we’re going to give it our best shot.
“They have to be relaxed and enjoy the occasion, leave everything out there in the park, which we have been saying all along.
“Once you go out there and give it a hundred percent and leave what you have to do in the park, nobody can ask you for more.
“So for me, it’s for them to go out, express themselves, execute well and enjoy the process.
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