Beth Mooney starred with an unbeaten half-century as Australia brushed aside West Indies to reach the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final for the eighth time at the Kennington Oval on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 126, Australia reached it easily in 13 overs, losing only two wickets. This is the eighth time the six-time champions have secured a place in the final.
Mooney scored an unbeaten 61 off 36 balls, hitting eight fours, while Ashleigh Gardner also remained not out on 35 off 20 balls, including four fours and a six.
For the West Indies, Chinelle Henry and Hayley Matthews took one wicket each.
Earlier, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews was the top scorer with 30 runs, but her team collapsed after losing four wickets for just 12 runs in 17 balls, slipping to 59-4 after being sent in to bat.
The West Indies suffered a setback just before the match began when Deandra Dottin fainted while the teams were lining up for the national anthems and had to be helped off the field.
When experienced batter Dottin came in, the West Indies were 83-6 in the 15th over. Her quick 26 not out helped push the total beyond 100 and gave her team a small chance against the six-time champions Australia.
Off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner, who took two wickets in one over, led Australia’s bowling with figures of 2-13.
Australia, still unbeaten in the tournament, will face the winner of Thursday’s second semifinal between England and South Africa in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
