Monday Jul 06, 2026
Monday Jul 06, 2026
Wednesday, 1 July 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Beth Mooney struck an unbeaten half-century as Australia cruised into a record-extending eighth Women’s T20 World Cup final with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over West Indies after their spinners produced a disciplined bowling display in the first semi-final at The Oval.
Chasing a modest target of 126, Australia reached 127 for 2 with seven overs to spare, with Mooney anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 36 balls. Ashleigh Gardner provided valuable support with an unbeaten 35 as the defending champions comfortably sealed their place in the title decider.
Earlier, Australia’s spin attack restricted West Indies to 125 for 7, with Gardner claiming 2-13 and Georgia Wareham returning 2-17. Captain Hayley Matthews top-scored with 30, while Deandra Dottin, who recovered after falling ill shortly before the match, contributed an unbeaten 26 to give the Caribbean side a fighting total.
Australia’s victory was tempered by an injury concern after Ellyse Perry, one of the tournament’s standout batters, retired hurt with a quadricep issue during the chase.
Despite the afternoon start, a crowd of 10,023 attended the semi-final, where Australia’s all-round superiority ensured another comfortable passage to the World Cup final.
