Australia Storm Into Women's T20 World Cup Final with Comfortable Win Over West Indies
Beth Mooney's unbeaten half-century and Ashleigh Gardner's all-round brilliance keep Australia's title defence on track.
Australia moved one step closer to winning a record seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup title after defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the first semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 126, Australia made a fast start before losing two early wickets. Beth Mooney then took control of the innings with a calm and unbeaten 61, guiding her team to victory. She was well supported by Ashleigh Gardner, who remained not out on 35 as the pair shared an unbroken partnership to seal the win comfortably.
Gardner also starred with the ball, claiming two important wickets to help restrict the West Indies. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
"I wanted to keep things simple and hit the stumps as often as possible," Gardner said after the match, adding that she was happy to make a bigger impact with the ball at such an important stage of the tournament.
Earlier, West Indies started positively after being asked to bat first. Captain Hayley Matthews scored 30 and shared a 47-run opening partnership with Qiana Joseph. However, Australia fought back strongly after Matthews' dismissal, reducing the West Indies from 47 without loss to 83 for 6.
A late effort from Deandra Dottin and Jannillea Glasgow helped the Caribbean side reach 125 for 7, but the total was never enough against the defending champions.
Australia have now remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all five of their group-stage matches before booking their place in the final.
The defending champions will now face the winner of the second semi-final between England and South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's.
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