Australia Women produced another commanding performance to book their place in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating West Indies Women by eight wickets in the first semi-final at the Kennington Oval. After restricting the Caribbean side to 125/7, the defending champions chased down the target in just 13 overs with Beth Mooney‘s fluent half-century and an explosive finish from Player of the Match Ashleigh Gardner.
Australia’s disciplined bowling limits West Indies to 125
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Australia Women made early inroads with their disciplined attack, preventing West Indies from building lasting partnerships. Openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph added a steady start before Australia’s spinners took control of the contest.
Matthews top-scored with 30 off 28 deliveries, striking five boundaries, while Joseph contributed 16 from 22 balls. However, neither batter was able to convert their starts into a substantial innings. Shemaine Campbelle attempted to rebuild with a composed 22 off 25 balls, but regular wickets kept the scoring rate in check.
Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure through the middle overs. Gardner was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 13 from her four overs, while Georgia Wareham matched that effort with 2 for 17. Sophie Molineux also claimed two wickets despite conceding 30 runs, and Annabel Sutherland chipped in with one scalp.
West Indies received a late boost thanks to Deandra Dottin, whose aggressive 26 off just 16 balls, featuring four boundaries, pushed the total beyond 120. Jannillea Glasgow also added a useful 15 from 13 deliveries, helping West Indies finish on 125/7 after their 20 overs.
Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner power Australia to a one-sided victory
Australia’s chase got off to a brisk start as Georgia Voll scored 16 from just 11 balls before falling to Chinelle Henry. Beth Mooney then took complete control of the innings, producing another masterclass in T20 batting. The experienced left-hander played elegant strokes all around the ground, racing to 61 from only 36 deliveries with eight boundaries. Her attacking approach ensured Australia remained well ahead of the required run rate throughout the chase.
West Indies managed to dismiss Phoebe Litchfield for four and briefly slowed the scoring when Matthews removed Ellyse Perry for two. However, those breakthroughs had little impact on the outcome. Gardner capped off a memorable all-round display by smashing an unbeaten 35 from just 20 balls, including four fours and a six. She combined with Mooney to put the match firmly beyond West Indies before guiding Australia home with ease. Australia reached 127/2 in only 13 overs, completing the chase with seven overs to spare and underlining their dominance in the tournament.
Australia one step away from another world title
The comprehensive victory sends Australia Women into yet another ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, where they will look to add another global trophy to their illustrious record. Their clinical bowling display, followed by an aggressive batting effort, once again highlighted why they remain one of the strongest teams in world cricket.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
