Deandra Dottin's Health Scare and Fighting Knock in T20 World Cup Semi-Final

Deandra Dottin (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: There was a worrying moment before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final between West Indies and Australia at The Oval on Tuesday as star all-rounder Deandra Dottin had to be carried off the field by her teammates just before the start of the match. The incident happened shortly after the national anthems. Dottin appeared to be in visible discomfort, although it was not immediately clear whether she had suffered an injury or a medical issue. Her early exit raised concerns in the West Indies camp ahead of one of their biggest matches of the tournament.

Dottin returns to fight for West Indies

Despite the scare, Dottin returned later in the innings when West Indies were in deep trouble at 83/6. Batting at No. 8, she played a fighting knock of 26 not out off 16 balls, adding an important partnership with Jannillea Glasgow to help West Indies recover to 125/7 in their 20 overs. At one stage, the Caribbean side looked set for a much lower total before Dottin's late cameo gave them a fighting chance.

Coach provides health update

Speaking during the innings break, West Indies head coach Shane Deitz confirmed that Dottin was feeling better. "She had a bit of an issue but she's okay now, and she had a great innings there." After the innings, Deitz revealed that Dottin had suffered a medical problem but praised her determination. "She had a little medical issue," coach Deitz said. "She is fine now and she played a great innings at the end there. Gave us a little bit of a total. "Hopefully if we bowl well, a few early wickets, we have a chance to get this win. "She's a tough character. It's hard to keep her down. Hopefully she will come out and chip in with a wicket or two."

Australia cruise into final

West Indies had reached the semi-finals after wins over New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Scotland in the group stage. However, their campaign ended in the last four as Australia comfortably chased down the target. The six-time champions reached 126/2 in just 13 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory to book their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final. Ashleigh Gardner led the chase with a superb unbeaten 61 off 36 balls, ensuring Australia progressed with ease.

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