New assistant coach McMillan helps drive remarkable White Ferns turnaround at T20 World Cup

White Ferns star Melie Kerr has credited new assistant coach Craig McMillan as one of the driving forces behind their form reversal at the T20 World Cup.

The Kiwi women hit the ground in Dubai riding a brutal 10-game losing streak in the format, before breaking out of their slump with gritty victories over India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to book their place in Saturday morning's (NZ Time) semi-final.

In the final four for the first time since 2016, the West Indies now stand in their way of a place in the tournament headliner against South Africa, who stunned defending champs Australia in the opening semi-final on Friday.

Speaking with SENZ's Scotty & Izzy, Kerr says McMillan - who joined the squad on a two-year deal in July - deserves massive plaudits for the rejuvenating presence he's brought to the squad both on and off the pitch.

"I absolutely love (McMillan), he's been outstanding," Kerr said.

"I think when he came into this group, it's exactly what we needed. He has this positive energy where he encourages you but he also demands excellence and he expects greatness from you.

"As a coach, that's ideal because you can have tough conversations and he can push you to be better, but he's also going to be the first one to tell you how well you're doing.

The former Blackcaps allrounder - who played at four white-ball World Cups amid 260 international appearances for New Zealand - has especially impacted the team in the field, an aspect of the game that has long been one of the side's weaknesses.

"In the fielding space as well, he has driven that. He pushes us hard. He wants us to fail in training because otherwise it's too easy, and I think our fielding has gone through the roof as a team. A lot of that is down to how we train and the intensity he brings.

"And he is competitive. I have played golf with him too and he wants to win and that's like his coaching.

"He's good fun and the other girls absolutely love him."

The West Indians have looked impressive throughout the Cup, finishing top of Group B with three wins from their four contests, including a statement win over heavyweights England.

But the White Ferns got the better of them the last time they squared off back in September 2022, earning a crushing 4-1 series win in the Caribbean.

That history has the Ferns cautiously confident they can repeat that dose under the bright lights this weekend, Kerr says.

"You've got to be aware that the West Indies are a dangerous side. They've got ball strikers that can hit the ball hard and a long way.

"But I think we have prepared well. We've done all the scouting we need to do and we know they can be dangerous, but I think if we can play to our strengths and restrict their power, we give ourselves the best chance with the ball.

"With the bat, it's each player playing to their strengths and being nice and positive.

"We're in this great position in a semi-final for the first time since 2016, it's exciting and you want to express yourself. You've got nothing to lose and you want to play the style you want to play in the big moments."

Listen to the full interview below: