Beth Mooney delivered another masterclass with an unbeaten half-century as Australia defeated the West Indies by eight wickets to storm into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final with a commanding performance at The Oval in London.
Mooney Anchors Chase with Composed 61
Mooney anchored the chase with a composed 61 not out, while Ashleigh Gardner added an unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls as Australia comfortably overhauled the West Indies' modest total of 125-7. The victory sends the tournament favourites into Sunday's final at Lord's, where they will face either England or South Africa.
Bowlers Set Up Victory
Australia's bowlers laid the foundation for victory with a disciplined display led by spinners Gardner (2-13), Georgia Wareham (2-17) and captain Sophie Molineux (2-30), who dismantled the West Indies' batting line-up after skipper Hayley Matthews made a brisk 30. The Caribbean side slipped from 35 without loss to 59-4 before Deandra Dottin, who had earlier sparked concern after requiring medical assistance before the match, showed remarkable determination to recover and finish unbeaten on 26. She shared a valuable 42-run partnership with Jannillea Glasgow to help lift the West Indies to a competitive total.
Australia's Dominance Continues
Australia's reply began aggressively before Georgia Voll (16) and Phoebe Litchfield (4) departed in quick succession. Mooney then seized control, bringing up her second half-century of the tournament from just 29 balls before combining with Gardner in an unbroken partnership that guided Australia home in style. The victory was Australia's 10th in their last 11 meetings with the West Indies and their eighth Women's T20 World Cup semi-final triumph, underlining their dominance as they chase another global title.
Match Summary
AUSTRALIA 127/2 in 13 overs (B Mooney 61*, A Gardner 35*) beat WEST INDIES 125/7 in 20 overs (H Matthews 30, D Dottin 26*; A Gardner 2/13; G Wareham 2/17) by eight wickets.
