Heartbreaking defeat - Windies out of T20 World Cup

Hosts West Indies were sensationally dumped from the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup after suffering a heavy 71-run defeat to Australia in the first semi-final here Thursday, bringing a depressing end to their hopes of repeating as world champions on home soil.

Asked to chase 143 on a slow track at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, West Indies’ batting woes returned to haunt them and they collapsed disappointingly for 71 in the 18th over – their joint second lowest score in the shortest format.

Shockingly, only captain Stafanie Taylor with 16 made it into double figures as Windies lost wickets from the outset and never recovered.

Australia had earlier gathered a competitive 142 for five off their 20 overs after being sent in, with flamboyant opener Alyssa Healy top-scoring with 46 on her return from injury and captain Meg Lanning getting 31.

Rachael Haynes chipped in with a fluent 15-ball unbeaten 25 down the order as Australia collected 47 runs from the last five overs to tip the momentum in their favor.

They will now await the winners of the other semi-final between England and India, to know their opponents in Saturday’s final.