Six-time champions Australia put on a masterclass of quiet, brutal efficiency at The Oval to beat West Indies by eight wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. A commanding, unbeaten half-century from opener Beth Mooney ensured the tournament favourites, Australia women chase down a modest target of 126 with seven overs to spare, booking their eighth final appearance in ten editions.
Disciplined Australian attack restrict West Indies women to a low score
Opting to bowl first on a green-tinged surface, stand-in captain Sophie Molineux’s decision did not reap immediate rewards. Although West Indies women suffered a major psychological blow before a ball was even bowled when power-hitter Deandra Dottin was carried off the field with an injury during the warm-ups.
Skipper Hayley Matthews (30) and Qiana Joseph (16) stitched together a cautious 47-run opening stand. But, once Georgia Wareham struck by removing Matthews in the ninth over, the West Indies innings completely unravelled.
The collapse was sudden and devastating. Spin led the way. Molineux removed Joseph before Ashleigh Gardner delivered a critical and decisive double-wicket maiden in the 11th over, dismissing both Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton for ducks. From 47 for no loss, the Windies slumped to a staggering 55 for 4.
Deandra Dottin remarkably emerged at number eight fighting the odds. She was visibly in discomfort but led a late, courageous counterattack. Smashing an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls with four boundaries, she dragged West Indies women past the 120-mark. However, a total of 125/7 was never going to be enough against a relentless Australian lineup. Gardner finished with stellar figures of 2-13, heavily restricting any late-overs acceleration.
Australia women thrash the Windies to confirm yet another final seat
Any hopes of a West Indian miracle with the ball were instantly crushed by a merciless Beth Mooney. Despite losing opening partner Georgia Voll (16) early to a roaring yorker from Chinelle Henry followed by Phoebe Litchfield to Matthews, Mooney remained completely determined. The left-hander single-handedly weaponized the Powerplay. She raced to a magnificent 41 off just 19 balls in the first six overs, bringing up her half-century in just 29 deliveries.
When Ellyse Perry was forced to retire hurt on 2 runs following a brief discomfort, Gardner walked out and immediately upped the ante. Gardner showcased her immense power, skipping down the track to launch Afy Fletcher over long-on for a massive six.
Fittingly, Gardner (35* off 20)- the player-of-the-match hit the winning boundary off Aaliyah Alleyne and sealed the victory with 42 balls remaining. Mooney, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on a majestic 61 off 36 balls. Australia women now march on to Lord’s, awaiting the winner of the second semi-final between England and South Africa.
Brief scores: West Indies 125/7 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Deandra Dottin 26*; Ash Gardner 2-13, Sophie Molineux 2-30, Georgia Wareham 2-17) lost to Australia 127/2 in 13 overs (Beth Mooney 61*, Ash Gardner 35*) by 8 wickets.
Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner
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