Australia Storm into Women’s T20 World Cup Final
News Desk
London: Australia moved one step closer to another Women’s T20 World Cup title after a commanding all-round performance secured an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday.
The six-time champions combined disciplined bowling with a clinical run chase to book their place in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, where they will face either South Africa or hosts England.
After electing to field, Australia restricted West Indies to 125/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with their bowlers maintaining control for most of the innings despite a late counterattack from Deandra Dottin.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews top-scored with 30 off 28 balls and added 47 runs for the opening wicket with Qiana Joseph, who made 16. However, the Caribbean side struggled to accelerate after the opening stand.
Shemaine Campbelle attempted to rebuild the innings with a steady 22 before falling in the 16th over. Dottin, who had been carrying an injury before the match, provided late momentum with a quickfire 26 off 16 balls, striking four boundaries to lift West Indies to a competitive total.
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Australia’s bowling effort was shared evenly, with captain Sophie Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham claiming two wickets each, while Annabel Sutherland chipped in with one.
Australia’s chase never looked in doubt as opener Beth Mooney anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 from just 36 deliveries, hitting eight fours. She found solid support from Gardner, who remained unbeaten on 35 off 20 balls as the pair stitched together an unbroken 63-run partnership to seal victory with seven overs remaining.
West Indies managed only two wickets during the chase through Chinelle Henry and Matthews, but were unable to halt Australia’s progress.
The emphatic win sends Australia into yet another Women’s T20 World Cup final as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending seventh title, while West Indies’ campaign comes to an end in the semi-finals.
