Australia produced another commanding display to book their place in the final of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the tournament’s first semi-final at The Oval. A disciplined bowling performance, led by the spin attack, followed by an outstanding unbeaten half-century from Beth Mooney, ensured the defending champions comfortably secured their eighth appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the West Indies made a reasonably steady start. Their innings, however, unravelled once Australia’s spinners entered the attack. The Caribbean side lost four wickets for just 12 runs during a damaging middle-order collapse, leaving them struggling to build a competitive total.
Captain Hayley Matthews was the top scorer for the West Indies with 30 runs, while experienced all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who had reportedly recovered after falling ill before the match, came in at number eight and played a valuable late cameo. Her quickfire 26 from 16 deliveries helped lift the total to 125, giving her side at least something to defend after a difficult innings.
Australia’s spin bowlers controlled the contest from start to finish. Off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner delivered one of the standout spells of the match, conceding just 13 runs in her four overs while claiming two wickets, including a maiden over. Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham and left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux also picked up two wickets each, ensuring the West Indies never gained any sustained momentum.
Chasing a modest target of 126, Australia suffered an early setback when in-form batter Ellyse Perry was forced to retire hurt after scoring just two runs. The defending champions also lost two wickets with only 43 runs on the board, briefly offering the West Indies a glimmer of hope.
Beth Mooney quickly extinguished any thoughts of an upset.
The experienced opener played a superb unbeaten innings of 61 from just 36 balls, striking eight boundaries and dominating the chase with her trademark composure and precision. Her knock not only guided Australia to victory but also saw her equal New Zealand great Suzie Bates’ record of eight half-centuries in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, underlining her remarkable consistency on cricket’s biggest stage.
Mooney found an ideal partner in Ashleigh Gardner, who continued her impressive all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 35 from only 20 deliveries. The pair added an unbroken 63 runs, steering Australia home in just 13 overs and completing one of the most convincing victories of the tournament.
The result reinforces Australia’s long-standing dominance in women’s T20 cricket. Having already established themselves as the most successful team in the competition’s history, they are now just one victory away from adding another world title to their remarkable record.
Australia will return to Lord’s on 5 July to compete for what would be their seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup crown. Their opponents will be determined after the second semi-final between England and South Africa. With another clinical all-round performance in a knockout match, Australia have once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in women’s international cricket and favourites to lift the trophy once more.