West Indies beat New Zealand by seven wickets in T20 opener

In a dramatic opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the West Indies defeated the defending champion New Zealand by seven wickets with just one ball to spare at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The victory was powered by a career-best, unbeaten 90 from wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle.

Chasing a competitive target of 163, the West Indies chase began shakily with the early dismissal of Qiana Joseph. Captain Hayley Matthews then provided a strong foundation, scoring 48 off 37 balls in a crucial 74-run partnership with Campbelle. After Matthews fell to Jess Kerr, the burden of the chase rested squarely on Campbelle, who delivered a composed yet aggressive innings. She struck seven fours and three sixes in her 62-ball knock, accelerating in the final overs to guide her team home. The win marked the second-highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 162 for six after being asked to bat first. Isabella Gaze provided early momentum with 35 off 29 balls, while Brooke Halliday contributed 40. A late flourish from Maddy Green, who finished unbeaten on 35 from 22 deliveries, helped the White Ferns to a...