19 June,2009 12:51 AM IST | | AFP
Skipper Aimee Watkins led New Zealand into the final of the women's World Twenty20 with a rousing 52-run win over India here on Thursday.
Watkins, who won the toss and elected to bat at Trent Bridge, smashed an unbeaten 89 off 58 balls as the White Ferns scored 145-5 and then restricted India to 93-9 at Trent Bridge.
The New Zealand captain's score was higher than the men's best of 88 by West Indian captain Chris Gayle against Australia in their ongoing World Twenty20.
India, hoping to make up for the absence of the men's team from the semi-finals, managed just four runs more than Watkins' own contribution as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
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Amita Sharma top-scored for the Indians with 24 off 27 balls, hitting the only six of the innings, while opener Mithali Raj made 20. Eight Indians failed to reach double figures as Sian Ruck and Amy Satterthwaite picked up two wickets each.
Watkins plundered 10 boundaries and two sixes even as none of her team-mates managed to reach 20. Watkins and Sophie Devine (14 not out) added 25 runs from the last 12 balls, including a six by Watkins off the final delivery of the innings by Rumeli Dhar.
New Zealand, who had also entered the final of the 50-overs-a-side World Cup in Australia in March where they lost to England, have won all their four matches so far.
They await the winner of Friday's second semi-final between Australia and England at the Oval in Sunday's final at Lord's.
