DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A stunning collapse from the West Indies Women led to a 35-run defeat at the hands of Australia in their final warm-up match ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Monday.
Chasing 145 for victory, the Caribbean women crumbled dramatically, losing nine wickets for a mere 17 runs, to be bowled out for 109 in 17.5 overs.
At 92 for one in the 14th over, with Captain Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle at the crease, the West Indies seemed on course for a comfortable win. Their position of strength was built on an opening stand of 68 between Matthews and Qiana Joseph, who played fluently for her 36 off 29 balls. Joseph was eventually dismissed by Ellyse Perry.
A middle-order meltdown
However, a middle-order meltdown ensued when Annabel Sutherland triggered the collapse by dismissing Campbelle for nine and Deandra Dottin for a golden duck in the same over. Alana King and Tayla Vlaeminck followed suit, tearing through the middle and lower order with ruthless efficiency. Vlaeminck took two wickets in the 15th over, including Chedean Nation (4) and Nerissa Crafton (0), while King claimed two more in the next over, leaving the Windies in dire straits.
With the innings in freefall, hopes rested on Matthews, who played a composed knock of 42 off 46 balls. But she too was dismissed, caught behind by Alyssa Healy off Vlaeminck, and the West Indies innings swiftly folded.
Earlier, Australia posted a competitive 144-8, with Sutherland top-scoring with 38 off 28 balls, including two sixes. The Windies women are now set to kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday against South Africa in Group B, which also features Scotland, England, and Bangladesh.
