LONDON — In a dominant display of batting prowess at London’s iconic Oval ground on Tuesday, Australia secured its place in yet another Women’s Twenty20 World Cup final, dismantling the West Indies by an eight-wicket margin with overs to spare.
After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Australia restricted the West Indies to a total of 125 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The modest run target quickly proved well within Australia’s reach, as the tournament favorites chased down the required score with a full seven overs still left to play, making clear the gulf in class on the day.
Midway through the run chase, opening batter Beth Mooney and all-rounder Ash Gardner forged a match-winning unbeaten partnership that dismantled the West Indies bowling attack. The pair stacked up 63 runs from just 37 deliveries, steering Australia to a final score of 127 for two wickets and securing the semi-final victory.
Mooney anchored the innings with a rapid 61 runs off 36 balls, notching her eighth T20 World Cup half-century. This result ties her with New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates for the record of most fifties in the history of the women’s tournament. Gardner contributed an equally explosive 35 runs from only 20 deliveries, turning a steady chase into a commanding win.
Heading into the final, Australia remains undefeated in this year’s tournament, and is now set to compete for its seventh T20 World Cup title. This appearance marks the side’s eighth trip to the tournament final in just 10 editions of the global competition, a testament to its decades-long dominance in women’s short-format cricket. Australia will face off against either host nation England or South Africa in the title match at Lord’s this coming Sunday. The second semi-final between England and South Africa is scheduled to take place this Thursday at the same Oval ground where Australia secured its win.