GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) — West Indies women will go in search for a place in the final of the World Twenty20 Championship when they clash with New Zealand in the second semi-final of the tournament today.

With their male counterparts already ruled out of contention, the side will be carrying the burden of the region when they meet the Kiwis at the Beausejour Cricket Stadium in the 4 pm fixture.

In yesterday’s first semi-final, Australia defeated India to book their place in the decider.

Windies captain Merissa Aguilleira said the mood in the camp was upbeat and her lasses were prepared for the big match.

“We’re ready. We’ve been preparing very well for this moment and we believe we’ll win and move on to Sunday’s final in Barbados,” Aguilleira said.

West Indies women reached the semi-finals of a major ICC tournament for the first time when they finished second in Group A of the preliminary round.

They defeated South Africa by 17 runs in their first match before toppling defending champions England by two runs in a dramatic finish to their second game.

They lost to Australia in their final game as their batting faltered and Aguilleira said this was one of several areas they needed to improve.

New Zealand announced themselves as tough opponents, playing unbeaten to top Group B at the end of the preliminary round.

They started with a 10-run win over India before crushing Sri Lanka by 47 runs in their second game. They were also emphatic in beating Pakistan by six wickets in their final game.

SQUAD:

WEST INDIES — Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Anisa Mohammed, Kirbyina Alexander, Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Cordel Jack, Stacy-Ann King, Pamela Lavine, Juliana Nero, Shakera Selman, Tremayne Smartt, Stafanie Taylor.

NEW ZEALAND — Aimee Watkins (captain), Amy Satterthwaite, Suzie Bates, Erin Bermingham, Kate Broadmore, Nicola Browne, Sophie Devine, Natalie Dodd, Lucy Doolan, Maria Fahey, Sara McGlashan, Liz Perry, Rachel Priest, Sian Ruck.