West Indies Women’s World Cup run ends as Australia cruise into final

The West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup campaign came to a disappointing conclusion on Tuesday after a costly semi-final defeat against Australia at Kennington Oval.

A struggling batting display and an ineffective bowling effort combined to send the regional side crashing out with an eight-wicket loss, as Australia once again demonstrated why they remain the dominant force in the women’s game.

The six-time champions comfortably chased down West Indies’ modest total of 125 for seven, reaching 127 for two in just 13 overs.

Australia now advance to Sunday’s final, where they will meet either England or South Africa.

The result also extended Australia’s remarkable record against West Indies, marking their 18th victory in 20 T20 internationals between the teams.

Promising start fades into another batting collapse

West Indies appeared ready to attack early after captain Hayley Matthews immediately set the tone.

Matthews struck the opening delivery through cover for four and followed up with two more boundaries in the third over against spinner Sophie Molineux, giving her team early momentum.

However, the optimism quickly disappeared as Australia’s bowlers tightened their grip.

Qiana Joseph struggled to find scoring opportunities against a disciplined attack that consistently forced her toward the less productive areas of the field. After scoring only six runs from her first 16 deliveries, she left West Indies unable to build on their early advantage.

The team reached 35 without loss at the end of the powerplay, but the innings soon unraveled.

Matthews attempted to attack Georgia Wareham but was bowled for 30 from 28 balls, leaving the score at 47 for one in the ninth over.

Eight runs later, Joseph’s difficult stay ended when she swept Molineux into the hands of deep midwicket after making 16 from 22 deliveries.

Gardner leads Australia’s bowling assault

The collapse accelerated immediately.

Stafanie Taylor lasted only two deliveries before Ashleigh Gardner removed her for a duck.

Gardner struck again shortly afterward, having Jahzara Claxton caught at cover without scoring, leaving West Indies in serious trouble at 59 for four.

Chinelle Henry added only 10 before becoming Molineux’s second victim, while Shemaine Campbelle battled for 22 from 25 balls before Georgia Wareham dismissed her to make the score 83 for six.

Gardner finished as Australia’s most effective bowler with two wickets for 13 runs, while Wareham claimed two for 17 and Molineux two for 30.

Late firepower gives West Indies something to defend

The final overs provided a small recovery.

Deandra Dottin, who required medical attention shortly before the match began, entered late in the order and produced a valuable unbeaten 26 from 16 balls.

She struck four boundaries and combined with Jannillea Glasgow to add 41 runs from the final four overs.

Glasgow contributed 15 from 13 deliveries before falling from the final ball of the innings.

Those late runs pushed West Indies to 125 for seven, competitive on paper, but ultimately insufficient against a powerful Australian batting lineup.

Mooney and Gardner finish the job

Australia’s chase began with immediate aggression.

Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney added 29 runs inside the first three overs before Chinelle Henry gave West Indies a brief opening by bowling Voll for 16.

But Mooney quickly restored Australia’s control.

She attacked Karishma Ramharack in the fourth over, collecting two boundaries and keeping the required rate comfortably within reach.

Captain Matthews briefly created another opportunity by dismissing Phoebe Litchfield lbw after an initial not-out decision was overturned.

However, from 43 for two, West Indies could not find another breakthrough.

Mooney exploded during the sixth over, hitting Jahzara Claxton for four boundaries as Australia reached 63 for two at the end of the powerplay.

Mooney completes masterclass as Australia march on

Despite an injury forcing Ellyse Perry to retire hurt, Australia never lost control.

Mooney brought up her half-century from 39 balls and continued guiding the chase with confidence.

She finished unbeaten on 61 from just 36 deliveries, striking eight fours.

Gardner provided the perfect partner, scoring an unbeaten 35 from 20 balls, including four fours and a six.

Their unbroken 63-run partnership in six overs removed any remaining doubt.

Gardner sealed the victory by hitting Aaliyah Alleyne for the winning boundary in the 12th over.

A tournament of frustration ends for West Indies

For West Indies, the semi-final defeat reflected the wider struggles of their tournament with the bat.

The team never found consistent rhythm in the competition, and against Australia’s experienced attack, another difficult innings proved too much to overcome.

Australia, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of another global title, while West Indies are left searching for answers after a campaign that ended far earlier than hoped.