Devine hopes tables are turned as New Zealand and West Indies prepare for semi-final rematch
Media release
Sophie Devine hopes her side’s level-headed approach pays off as they bid to go where no New Zealand side has gone before and reach an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.
The White Ferns take on West Indies in Sharjah on Friday buoyed by a 54-run win over Pakistan which sealed their spot in the last four.
They last made it to this stage in 2016, when tomorrow’s opponents emerged victorious on their way to lifting the trophy, and Devine – who played that day – hopes the roles will be reversed this time around.
“The one thing I very clearly remember is Deandra (Dottin) running me out, which still bugs me to this day,” she said. “It's quite crazy to think here we are eight years later playing in another semi-final.
“I have huge respect for West Indies and obviously they were able to go on and win that tournament in 2016 in India. I'd like us to be holding the trophy up this time.
“We've spoken a lot as a group that we don't want to get too high and too low and that's really key for us is to make sure that we get back on that level playing of emotions.
“I don't expect people to not be nervous. I think if they weren't, I'd probably be a little bit worried. It’s cool for this group just to be able to feel all those emotions.
“But it's about keeping them in check and making sure that we don't ride them too high and too low, because at the end of the day, we're here to do a job. We're here to win a game of cricket and we are really looking forward to what's going to be an exciting game.”
The White Ferns are enjoying themselves in the UAE with the infectious enthusiasm of Eden Carson, who impressed with two wickets against Pakistan before going viral with a gleeful post-match interview, sweeping through the squad.
Devine is successfully harnessing the energy within her side but whether they go on to win the competition or not, she will not be reversing her choice to relinquish the captaincy after the tournament.
“This has been a decision that's been a long time coming,” she said. “It'd be nice to finish it with lifting a trophy at the end of it but I'm so content with the decision that I've made.”
Devine’s opposite number, Hayley Matthew, scored a half century to help her side seal a semi-final spot with victory over England and she has been delighted to see different players stepping up at different times for her side.
Matthews, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin – who ended the group stage with a tournament high strike rate of 167.30 – continue to prove invaluable but this competition has also seen the likes of Qiana Joseph, who made 52 against England, Aaliyah Alleyne and Karishma Ramharack impress.
“There probably was a point where a lot of it had to come from me, Staf (Stafanie Taylor) and Dee (Deandra Dottin), but that's because the girls underneath us probably didn't have much opportunity to be any better than they were,” Matthews said.
“But they've sacrificed a lot and they've been training really hard. You can see the results of that now. Seeing players like Qiana Joseph, Aaliyah Alleyne, the way she's been bowling, Karishma Ramharack is someone else who kind of came into the spotlight last year in the World Cup and she's been able to play some massive roles again for us this year. I think that makes us even more dangerous having that extra ammunition.
“Some people might have said to chase 140 it might have had to be me and Deandra. But in fact, we had a player like Qiana Joseph coming out there and literally lifting all the pressure off of my shoulders, which just gave me an opportunity to play my own hand.”
West Indies were beaten by 10 wickets in their opening game against South Africa but have bounced back with three straight wins and Matthews hopes the feelgood factor continues in Sharjah.
“It is just about staying calm and having fun, especially as a West Indian,” she said. “We're always at our best when we're enjoying ourselves and being really vibrant in the field. I'm just encouraging every one of the youngsters to go out there and enjoy themselves.
“Yes it's a World Cup semi-final and it's a huge game but we're still playing the same game that we learned in the backyards of our homes and also on the streets in the Caribbean, so just enjoy it.”
ENDS