Brief Scores: Australia (127/2 in 13 overs) beat West Indies (125/7 in 20 overs) by 8-wickets at Kennington Oval in London.
Australia booked yet another Women’s T20 World Cup final spot with a dominant eight-wicket win over West Indies at The Oval on Tuesday, June 30, chasing down 126 with seven overs to spare in a one-sided semi-final. Ashleigh Garnder starred for the women from down under, contributing form both bat and ball.
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It all started after Australia won the toss and asked the ladies from the Caribbean to bat first. West Indies posted 125-7, but the total never looked sufficient against Australia’s deep and aggressive batting line-up. Despite a bright start from Hayley Matthews, the innings lost momentum through the middle overs as wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the Caribbean side short of a competitive finish.
Australia’s reply was clinical from the outset, even after losing two wickets inside the powerplay. Beth Mooney anchored the chase with authority, while Ashleigh Gardner provided the finishing power as the pair stitched together an unbeaten 63-run stand-off in just 37 balls to take Australia home comfortably.
“We just wanted to get it done as quickly as possible,” skipper Sophie Molineux said after the game. “Moons and Volly were clinical in batting to get us away and calm the nerves in the change room. It was really good to see.”
MOONEY AND GARDNER DISMANTLE THE CHASE
Beth Mooney led the charge with a superb 61 off 36 deliveries, registering her eighth T20 World Cup half-century and drawing level with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the most in tournament history. Her innings set the tone for a controlled but ruthless chase.
Gardner once again proved decisive in a knockout match, striking an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls and accelerating the scoring with clean, calculated hitting. Together, the duo ensured Australia never allowed the required rate to become a factor, scoring at well above nine runs per over for most of the chase.
Even Ellyse Perry’s brief departure from the field due to minor quad soreness did little to disrupt Australia’s rhythm, with the result already effectively decided by the time she walked off.
WEST INDIES FALTER AFTER PROMISING START
West Indies showed early intent through Matthews and Qiana Joseph, but the innings quickly unravelled after the powerplay. Joseph struggled to find timing, while wickets in clusters stalled any momentum. A late cameo from an injured Deandra Dottin helped push the total past 120, but it remained well below par on a good batting surface.
Australia’s bowlers had set the tone with disciplined lines and smart match-ups, preventing West Indies from building any sustained pressure despite brief resistance at the top. Ashleigh Gardner starred with the ball as well, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 13 from her four overs. Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham also claimed two wickets each, while Annabel Sutherland chipped in with one.
RUTHLESS AUSTRALIA EYE RECORD SEVENTH TITLE
With the win, Australia extended their remarkable record in ICC women’s events, reaching their eighth T20 World Cup final in 10 editions and reaffirming their dominance in knockout cricket.
They have now lost only three ICC knockout matches since 2009, underlining their consistency in high-pressure games, while their batting depth once again proved decisive on the big stage.
Gardner’s all-round influence also stood out, earning another Player of the Match award and continuing her reputation as a clutch performer in semi-finals and finals.
Australia will now face either England or South Africa in the final at Lord’s, confident of extending their dynasty in women’s T20 cricket after another commanding display.
– Ends
