Australia produced a convincing performance in the first semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating West Indies by eight wickets at The Oval. With this victory, they have qualified for the tournament final for the eighth time and will now look to clinch their seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title. It was Australia’s spinners who laid the foundation before Beth Mooney’s unbeaten half-century helped them seal a one-sided contest.
After being asked to bat first, West Indies made a decent start, largely thanks to skipper Hayley Matthews. In the 45-run opening partnership, Matthews scored 30 before being bowled by Georgia Wareham. Her opening partner, Qiana Joseph, struggled for fluency and was eventually dismissed by Sophie Molineux for 16 off 22 balls.
That wicket triggered a mini-collapse for the Windies, who lost five wickets for just 28 runs to slump to 83/6.
Whether it was Shemaine Campbelle (22), Chinelle Henry (10) or Jannillea Glasgow (15), all three got starts but failed to convert them into significant contributions. However, a 42-run partnership for the seventh wicket off just 27 balls between Glasgow and Deandra Dottin helped West Indies cross the 120-run mark, finishing on 127/7.
Earlier, there had been concern over Dottin’s availability after she was carried off the field by her team-mates following a sudden health issue while both teams were lining up for the national anthems. It was initially unclear whether the experienced all-rounder would be able to bat, but she eventually came in at No. 8 and played a valuable unbeaten knock of 26 off 16 balls, striking some outstanding shots.
For Australia, the spin trio of Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham shared six wickets between them, claiming two apiece. Annabel Sutherland also chipped in with one wicket.
In reply, Australia were expected to chase down the target comfortably, and they did exactly that, reaching it in just 12.5 overs. Although Georgia Voll (16) and Phoebe Litchfield (4) departed cheaply, it was the experienced Beth Mooney who stole the show.
Under a bright sunny sky at The Oval, Mooney, commonly nicknamed “Moons”, played shots all around the ground and remained unbeaten on 61 off 36 balls. Ellyse Perry was forced to retire hurt after facing seven deliveries, but Ashleigh Gardner then joined Mooney at the crease.
The pair stitched together an unbeaten 63-run partnership from just 37 balls to complete the emphatic victory. Gardner remained unbeaten on 35 off 20 balls as Australia booked their place in the final. At Lord’s, they will now chase a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title against either England or South Africa.
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