Campbelle's unbeaten 90 fires West Indies to seven-wicket win over New Zealand in T20 WC opener
Synopsis
Shemaine Campbelle's unbeaten 90 — her highest T20I score — powered West Indies Women to the second-highest successful chase in Women's T20 World Cup history, beating New Zealand by seven wickets with a ball to spare. It was also revenge for their 2024 semi-final loss to the White Ferns, and a statement-of-intent opening to the 2026 tournament.
Key Takeaways
Shemaine Campbelle scored an unbeaten 90 — her highest Women's T20I score — hitting 7 fours and 3 sixes .
West Indies Women beat New Zealand Women by 7 wickets with 1 ball to spare in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Southampton on 14 June .
The chase of 163 is the second-highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Aaliyah Alleyne claimed career-best T20I figures of 4/27 , dismissing Brooke Halliday (40) at a crucial juncture.
New Zealand posted 162/6 , boosted by Maddy Green's unbeaten 35 off 22 balls .
The result avenges West Indies' defeat to New Zealand in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup semi-final .
Shemaine Campbelle produced a career-defining knock of an unbeaten 90 to steer West Indies Women to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in their opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Southampton on 14 June. West Indies completed the chase of 163 with just one ball to spare, recording the second-highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Campbelle's Historic Innings
Campbelle was at her devastating best, striking seven fours and three sixes in a knock that stands as her highest score in Women's T20 Internationals. Her innings blended composure with aggression, guiding West Indies through pressure moments and over the line in the final over. Notably, the victory also served as sweet revenge for West Indies, who had fallen to New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup.
New Zealand's Competitive Total
New Zealand Women posted 162/6 in their 20 overs after being invited to bat. Brooke Halliday anchored the innings with a measured 40, while Maddy Green provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 35 off 22 deliveries, helping the White Ferns set a challenging target.
Alleyne's Career-Best Spell
West Indies pacer Aaliyah Alleyne was the pick of the bowlers, returning career-best T20I figures of 4/27. Her dismissal of the well-set Brooke Halliday proved a turning point, checking New Zealand's momentum in the middle overs and keeping the target within reach for the West Indies chase.
What This Result Means
The win hands West Indies a commanding start to their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup campaign and signals their intent as serious contenders. This is the second-highest successful chase in the tournament's history — a statistical landmark that underlines the quality of the performance. With the rest of the group stage ahead, the result sends an emphatic early message to rival sides. All eyes will now be on whether West Indies can sustain this form as the competition intensifies.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand Women: 162/6 (20 overs) — Brooke Halliday 40, Maddy Green 35*; Aaliyah Alleyne 4/27.
West Indies Women: 163/3 (19.5 overs) — Shemaine Campbelle 90*; West Indies won by 7 wickets with 1 ball remaining.
Point of View
They have opened the 2026 World Cup with a historically significant chase, and done so against the same team that ended their 2024 campaign. The concern for rivals is Alleyne: a pacer delivering career-best figures in a knockout-pressure environment suggests West Indies have match-winners in both departments. Whether their middle order can replicate this composure against stronger bowling attacks will define how deep their run goes.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shemaine Campbelle's score in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener?
Shemaine Campbelle scored an unbeaten 90 off her innings, hitting seven fours and three sixes. It is her highest score in Women's T20 Internationals and guided West Indies to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand.
How did West Indies Women win against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026?
West Indies chased down a target of 163 in 19.5 overs, winning by seven wickets with one ball to spare. Shemaine Campbelle's unbeaten 90 was the cornerstone of the successful chase.
What was New Zealand Women's total in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match?
New Zealand Women posted 162/6 in 20 overs. Brooke Halliday scored 40 and Maddy Green contributed an unbeaten 35 off 22 deliveries to give the White Ferns a competitive total.
What are Aaliyah Alleyne's career-best T20I figures?
Aaliyah Alleyne returned figures of 4/27, her best in Women's T20 Internationals. She was the standout bowler for West Indies, dismissing the well-set Brooke Halliday among her four wickets.
Is this chase a record in Women's T20 World Cup history?
The chase of 163 is the second-highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history. It marks a landmark performance for West Indies Women in the tournament's record books.
