Across the globe, women’s cricket is breaking boundaries

In the first 11 matches out of the 33 scheduled for the 2026 women’s T20 World Cup, there have been several surprises, coupled with strong expressions of intent by Australia, India, and England. Margins for error are fine in T20 cricket and New Zealand illustrated that in abundance against the West Indies.

Batting first, Izzy Gaze launched the innings with 39 from 29 deliveries. In the space of six deliveries this rapid start was halted by Aaliyah Alleyne. Plimmer, Gaze, and Kerr all fell to catches in similar positions from similar shots, an unusual sequence of events. Halliday and Green were largely responsible for steering the innings to a total of 162 for six, a par score.

The West Indies suffered a disastrous start, as Qiana Joseph was called for a run that was never there by her captain, Hayley Matthews. Joseph vented her obvious anger on Matthews, who then batted circumspectly for 48 from 37 deliveries, perhaps mindful of the reception that might be awaiting her in the dressing room. In one of cricket’s never-ending quirks of fate, Joseph’s replacement, Shermaine Campbelle, would go on, after a slow start, to win the match with an unbeaten 90 from 62 deliveries, with one delivery to spare in a nail-biting final over. It was her first 50 in T20Is.

New Zealand had only themselves to blame for their defeat. Normally one of the best fielding teams, they contrived to spurn seven clear-cut chances, including two stumping opportunities, in an uncharacteristically shoddy display of fielding.

Afterwards, Maddy Green admitted that “it was a bad day at the office,” for which there was little explanation. The West Indies coach, Shane Deitz, was clearly proud of his team’s victory and Campbelle’s performance. Her