KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — Hayley Matthews produced the innings West Indies Women desperately needed, but Australia Women’s consistency and control again proved too strong, as the visitors claimed a 17-run victory on Saturday to wrap up the T20 International series with a match to spare.
Matthews, who had acknowledged before the game that she was working through a batting slump, responded with a determined 56 off 41 balls. Even so, West Indies could manage only 147 for four in 20 overs, finishing short of Australia’s 164 for five at the Arnos Vale Ground.
The result handed Australia an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and marked their fourth consecutive T20I series win over West Indies Women. The teams are scheduled to meet again at the same venue on Monday.
Australia’s openers set the tone
After winning the toss and choosing to bat for the second straight game, Australia came out with purpose.
Openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney put West Indies immediately under pressure, racing to 54 runs in the Powerplay. Voll drove the early assault, hammering 39 off 23 balls with six fours and one six before she was caught at mid-on off Karishma Ramharack.
Mooney, who had been named Player of the Match in the first T20I, never looked fully settled. She made 17 off 20 balls before misjudging a delivery from leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who bowled her and claimed her 100th T20I wicket, leaving Australia 71 for two.
Perry and Litchfield push Australia ahead
With the innings reset, Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield rebuilt and then accelerated.
Perry top-scored with 42 off 28 balls, while Litchfield made 35 off 29, the pair combining for a 58-run partnership for the third wicket that moved Australia to 129 for two and placed them in a commanding position.
At that point, the visitors looked capable of pushing toward 180, but West Indies produced a timely correction. Matthews had Litchfield caught at deep midwicket, and the home side followed that breakthrough with a disciplined finish. Australia’s last three overs yielded only 20 runs and cost them two wickets, preventing an even steeper target.
Matthews and Taylor revive the chase
West Indies’ reply began shakily when Qiana Joseph was run out for 11, with the score on just 13.
From there, Matthews and Stafanie Taylor gave the innings shape and momentum. Their 77-run stand for the second wicket briefly shifted the pressure back onto Australia and suggested the chase might open up.
Matthews’ knock was a study in recovery. She managed only one run from her first 11 balls, but gradually found rhythm and control. She brought up her eighth T20I half-century in 38 balls, glancing pacer Tahlia McGrath to fine leg for four.
Turning point swings match back to Australia
Just as West Indies appeared poised to mount a serious late charge, Australia struck the decisive blow.
Attempting to accelerate, Matthews hit spinner Alana King straight to captain Sophie Molineux at mid-off, departing with West Indies 90 for two in the 13th over.
From there, the innings stalled. King then removed Taylor, whose 22 off 27 balls had provided support but little late urgency, and Georgia Wareham dismissed Shemaine Campbelle for six. Suddenly, West Indies had slipped to 113 for four in the 18th over, and the chase had lost its momentum.
Dottin battles on, but target stays out of reach
Deandra Dottin fought to the finish with an unbeaten 39 off 28 balls, but by then the equation had grown too steep.
With West Indies needing 41 runs from the final two overs, the outcome was effectively beyond reach, and Australia closed out another composed victory.
King was central to that effort, finishing with 2-25 from four overs and earning the Player-of-the-Match award.
Australia’s grip remains intact
For West Indies, Matthews’ return to form was an encouraging note, and the chase contained periods of genuine promise. But Australia again demonstrated why they remain such a difficult side to dislodge: a sharp start, a stabilizing middle phase, and the ability to strike at the critical moment.
The series is now decided, and the final match on Monday will offer West Indies one last opportunity to break Australia’s hold and avoid a sweep.
