West Indies Women beat England to qualify for World T20 semi-final

England were knocked out of the Women’s T20 World Cup at the end of the group stage after a sloppy all-round performance against West Indies in Dubai.

They dropped five catches- all off opener Qiana Joseph- as West Indies produced a stunning run chase of 142 to reach the semi-finals at England’s expense.

Joseph was first dropped on six and then 31 and 35 before departing for a crucial 52 from 38 balls, while captain Hayley Matthews also added a half-century in an opening stand of 102.

The pair blasted 67-0 off the Powerplay as England wilted under pressure, reminiscent of their semi-final defeat by South Africa in the 2023 tournament.

Sophia Dunkley missed the first chance to dismiss Joseph on the square-leg boundary, before Alice Capsey dropped a simple chance at cover and Maia Bouchier proceeded to put down three opportunities.

Both Joseph and Matthews departed inside two overs to give England hope, but Deandra Dottin’s cameo of 27 from 19 balls swung momentum back in West Indies’ favour.

England’s 141-7 looked competitive at the halfway stage, with Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 57 from 50 providing the backbone.

But England were dealt a cruel blow when captain Heather Knight retired hurt with a tight calf on 21, and her absence was sorely felt in the field as the side could not cope with West Indies’ aggression.

It is West Indies’ first T20 win over England since 2018, and the first time England have failed to make it out of the group stage of the tournament since 2010.

The semi-finals will take place between South Africa and defending champions Australia on Thursday, followed by West Indies versus New Zealand on Friday. (BBC)