Australia cruise into Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final with dominant 8-wicket win over West Indies in semis
London, June 30
Six-time champions Australia stormed into the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over West Indies at The Kia Oval on Tuesday, producing another clinical all-round performance to move within one win of winning their seventh title.
After Sophie Molineux-led Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, West Indies openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph started things off with a solid 47-run opening partnership. Matthews struck 30 off 28 balls, while Joseph made 16, before Australia's Georgia Wareham struck for the first breakthrough.
Wareham broke the stand by dismissing Joseph, triggering a dramatic collapse. Ashleigh Gardner then produced the decisive spell of the innings, removing Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton in the same over as West Indies slipped from 47 without loss to 55 for 4.
Sophie Molineux then claimed the wicket of Chinelle Henry (11) in the 15th over. Wareham struck again in the 16th over, dismissing Shemaine Campbelle (22), reducing West Indies to 83/6.
Deandra Dottin came in at No. 8 and fought back with an unbeaten 26 off just 16 deliveries. She combined with Jannillea Glasgow (15) for a valuable 42-run stand that lifted West Indies to a competitive 125/7. Wareham finished with figures of 2/17 in 3 overs while Gardner finished with 2/13 in 4 overs. Captain Molineux also claimed two wickets, giving away 30 runs in 4 overs.
Chasing 126, Australia faced a couple of early setbacks as Georgia Voll (16) and Phoebe Litchfield (4) departed cheaply. Ellyse Perry also retired hurt after scoring two, briefly raising hopes of a West Indies comeback.
However, opener Beth Mooney ensured there would be no late drama. The left-hander played a fluent knock of 61* from only 36 balls, striking eight boundaries to put Australia firmly in control. Gardner complemented her perfectly with an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls as the pair added an unbroken 63-run stand to wrap up the chase in just 13 overs with 42 balls to spare.
The comprehensive victory sends Australia into their eighth Women's T20 World Cup final in 10 editions. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between England and South Africa at Lord's on Thursday, aiming to successfully defend their world title.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, as an Indian cricket fan, I'm a bit jealous watching Australia's women's team. They have such a deep bench - even when Perry retired hurt, Gardner just stepped up. Meanwhile, we struggle with our middle order. Australia deserve their place in the final, no doubt. Hope whoever comes from Eng vs SA can at least make it competitive.
Incredible performance from the Aussies again. But can we talk about Ashleigh Gardner? 2/13 from 4 overs and then 35* from 20 balls... she's the real MVP of this team. West Indies have some talent but their batting collapses are becoming a pattern. They need to work on their mental game against quality spin.
Beth Mooney is just sublime to watch - 61* off 36 balls with 8 fours! That's proper batting. And what about Wareham? 2/17 in her 3 overs, always strikes at crucial moments. Australia's bowling depth is scary - even Molineux as captain chips in with 2 wickets. India should take notes on how to build a balanced T20 side. We have the talent but lack this kind of execution under pressure. 🏏
It's remarkable how Australia just keep finding new match-winners. When one player has an off day, someone else steps up. West Indies lost their way after that great start - going from 47/0 to 55/4 is a collapse you can't afford in a semifinal. Dottin's fighting knock was the only bright spot after that. Australia are deserved favorites for the final.
As much as I admire Australia's dominance, I wish the Women's T20 World Cup had more variety in champions. West Indies used to be so strong in 2016 - they've really fallen off since then. That said, you can't deny the Aussies' professionalism. Mooney and Gardner's partnership was pure class. The way they accelerated in the chase showed
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