London: Captain Sophie Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner, and Georgia Wareham claimed two wickets each as six-time champions Australia produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict West Indies to 125/7 in 20 overs in the first semifinal of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval, London, on Tuesday.
After choosing to bowl on a green-top surface, Australia proved their decision right from the first over by putting constant pressure on the West Indies batters. The Windies only found relief through Deandra Dottin’s unbeaten 26 off 16 balls, which helped them reach a respectable total after a middle-order collapse.
Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph opened the innings for the West Indies. Matthews had a strong start, while Joseph struggled to get going. Australia kept their lines and lengths tight, preventing the scoring rate from accelerating. The Windies ended the powerplay at 35/0.
The pressure finally took its toll in the ninth over when Matthews was bowled for 30, ending their 47-run opening partnership. Her dismissal marked the beginning of a dramatic collapse, as the Southern Stars quickly dismantled the middle order. Joseph managed 16, but Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton both fell for 0. The Windies went from 47/0 to 59/4 in just a few overs.
Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry tried to stabilise the innings with a steady partnership. However, Henry was dismissed for 10, caught deep in the 15th over. Campbelle added 22 before falling in the next over, leaving the West Indies struggling for momentum.
Dottin, who had been forced off the field shortly after the national anthems but returned to bat, brought some energy back. The seasoned all-rounder hit regular boundaries in her 16-ball innings, scoring 26 not out and helping the Windies cross the 120-run mark.
Glasgow contributed 15 before getting out on the last ball of the innings. Molineux finished with 2/30, with Ashleigh Gardner (2/13) and Georgia Wareham (2/17) taking two wickets apiece to cut through the middle order after Hayley Matthews was dismissed. Annabel Sutherland also picked up a wicket, returning figures of 1/26 as West Indies were restricted to 125/7 in their 20 overs.
Brief scores:
West Indies 125/7 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Deandra Dottin 26; Ashleigh Gardner 2-13, Georgia Wareham 2-17) against Australia
(IANS)
