London: Australia booked their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with a dominant eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first semi-final at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The win also marked Australia’s record-extending eighth appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final.
After winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl and produced a disciplined performance to restrict West Indies to 125/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The bowlers kept the Caribbean batters under pressure throughout the innings, preventing them from building any significant partnerships.
Chasing a modest target of 126, Australia suffered an early setback but experienced opener Beth Mooney anchored the innings with a match-winning knock. While Georgia Voll (16) and Phoebe Litchfield (4) departed cheaply, Mooney remained unbeaten on 61 off just 36 deliveries, striking eight boundaries to guide her side home in emphatic fashion.
Australia reached 127/2 in just 13 overs, sealing victory with 42 balls to spare. The comprehensive win underlined the six-time champions’ dominance in the shortest format as they advanced to yet another World Cup final and moved a step closer to adding another title to their illustrious record.
