NEW DELHI: Six-time champions Australia continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in the first semi-final at the Kennington Oval in London on Tuesday.The win was Australia’s sixth in a row in the tournament and secured their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the eighth time.Captain Sophie Molineux he won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely as the Australian bowlers kept the West Indies batsmen under constant pressure.
West Indies struggle after a promising start
West Indies finished on 125/7 from their 20 overs after failing to build a stable opening position.Captain Hayley Matthews was the top scorer with 30 off 28 balls, hitting five boundaries, while Qiana Joseph scored 16. The pair added 47 runs for the opening wicket before Georgia Wareham broke the partnership by dismissing Matthews.Shemaine Campbelle contributed 22 but the innings lost momentum after the middle order collapsed.Australia batted at regular intervals as Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton went wicketless, reducing West Indies from 55/1 to 59/4.Chinelle Henry added 10, while Jannillea Glasgow chipped in with 15, but the Caribbean side failed to accelerate.Deandra Dottin, who had earlier caused concern after being carried off the field before the game, showed tremendous determination to come back and score an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls, helping West Indies recover to 125/7.
Australia’s bowlers shine
Australia’s spin attack did most of the damage.Ashleigh Gardner he was outstanding, conceding just 13 runs in four overs with two wickets.Captain Sophie Molineux also claimed 2/30, while Georgia Wareham finished with 2/17.Annabel Sutherland chipped in with one wicket as Australia never allowed the West Indies to build meaningful partnerships.
Mooney, Gardner finished in style
Australia made easy work of the chase, reaching 127/2 in just 13 overs.Georgia Voll made a blistering start to the innings with 16 off 11 balls before being dismissed by Chinelle Henry.Phoebe Litchfield made four before being trapped lbw by Hayley Matthews, while Ellyse Perry retired injured after scoring two.Beth Mooney he then anchored the chase with a superb unbeaten 61 off just 36 balls, hitting eight fours.She found the perfect partner in Ashleigh Gardner, who blasted an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls, including four boundaries and a six.The pair added an unbroken partnership of 63 runs to seal victory with 42 balls to spare, underscoring Australia’s dominance.
Australia is one win away from another title
Australia’s all-round display highlighted once again why they remain the team to beat in world cricket.After restricting West Indies to a sub-par total with a disciplined bowling performance, their batsmen completed the chase with ease.The six-time champions will now head into the final full of confidence as they hunt for another Women’s T20 World Cup title. They will meet the winner of the second semi-final – England or South Africa.
