Campbelle’s Heroics Power West Indies to Thrilling Win Over New Zealand

Southampton, June 2026 : Shemaine Campbelle delivered a career-defining performance as West Indies Women launched their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling seven-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in Southampton on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 163, West Indies held their nerve to reach 163/3 in 19.5 overs, completing the second-highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history with just one ball remaining.

Campbelle was the undisputed star of the contest, producing a magnificent unbeaten 90—her highest score in Women’s T20 Internationals. The experienced batter struck seven boundaries and three sixes in an innings marked by composure, power and smart shot selection. Her match-winning knock also helped West Indies avenge their defeat to New Zealand in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The chase was built around Campbelle’s calm presence at the crease as she anchored the innings while accelerating when required. With the asking rate climbing in the latter stages, she kept her cool and guided her side home in dramatic fashion, ensuring a dream start to the Caribbean side’s World Cup campaign.

Earlier, New Zealand Women posted a competitive 162/6 after being put into bat. The White Ferns made a steady start but were repeatedly pegged back by disciplined West Indies bowling.

Brooke Halliday top-scored with a fluent 40, while Maddy Green provided the late surge with an unbeaten 35 off just 22 deliveries. Their contributions helped New Zealand cross the 160-run mark and set up what appeared to be a challenging target.

However, West Indies pacer Aaliyah Alleyne emerged as the standout performer with the ball. She produced career-best T20I figures of 4/27, striking at crucial moments to prevent New Zealand from gaining complete control of the innings. Among her key wickets was that of the well-set Halliday, a dismissal that halted the White Ferns’ momentum.

The emphatic victory not only gives West Indies two valuable points but also sends a strong message to the rest of the teams in the tournament. With Campbelle in sublime form and the bowling unit delivering under pressure, the Caribbean side has signalled its intent to challenge for the title.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand Women: 162/6 in 20 overs (Brooke Halliday 40, Maddy Green 35*; Aaliyah Alleyne 4/27)
West Indies Women: 163/3 in 19.5 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 90*)
West Indies Women won by 7 wickets with 1 ball remaining.