NEW DELHI: Six-time champions Australia continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, crushing West Indies by eight wickets in the first semi-final at London’s Kennington Oval on Tuesday.The win was Australia’s sixth consecutive victory in the tournament and booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the eighth time.Captain: Sophie Molineux won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid huge dividends as Australia’s bowlers kept the West Indies batters under constant pressure.
West Indies struggled after a good start
West Indies finished at 125/7 from their 20 overs after failing to build a consistent opening stand.Captain Hayley Matthews top scored with 30 off 28 balls, hitting five boundaries, while Qiana Joseph made 16. The pair added 47 runs for the opening wicket before Georgia Wareham broke the partnership by dismissing Matthews.Shemaine Campbell contributed 22, but the innings lost momentum after a middle-order collapse.Australia struck at regular intervals as Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton both departed without scoring, reducing West Indies from 55/1 to 59/4.Chinelle Henry added 10, while Jannillea Glasgow tallied 15, but the Caribbean side struggled to accelerate.Deandra Dottin, who had earlier caused concern after being carried off the field before the match, showed great determination to return and score an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls, helping West Indies recover to 125/7.
Australia’s bowlers shined
Australia’s spin attack did most of the damage.Ashley Gardner amazing, conceding just 13 runs in four overs while taking two wickets.Captain Sophie Molineux also claimed 2/30, while Georgia Wareham finished with 2/17.Annabel Sutherland took a wicket as Australia never allowed the West Indies to build any significant partnership.
Mooney, Gardner ends it in style
Australia made light work of the chase, reaching 127/2 in just 13 overs.Georgia Voll gave the innings a quick start 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 hurt after scoring two.Beth Mooney: then anchored the chase with a stunning unbeaten 61 off just 36 balls, hitting eight fours.He found the perfect partner in Ashleigh Gardner, who smashed an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls, including four boundaries and a six.The pair added an unbroken 63-run partnership 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 once again highlighted why they remain the team to beat in world cricket.After restricting West Indies to a below-par total with a disciplined bowling performance, their batters finished the chase with ease.The six-time champions will head into the final full of confidence as they chase another Women’s T20 World Cup title. They will face the winner of the second semifinal – England or South Africa.