Australia beat West Indies to reach Women’s T20 World Cup final

LONDON: Australia advanced to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final after an eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday, with a controlled bowling effort and an unbeaten half-century from Beth Mooney proving decisive.

The six-time champions will now meet either South Africa or hosts England in the final at Lord’s on Sunday.

After winning the toss, Australia captain Sophie Molineux chose to bowl first, and her side restricted West Indies to 125/7 in their 20 overs. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews top-scored with 30 from 28 balls and put on 47 for the opening wicket with Qiana Joseph, who made 16 off 22 deliveries.

Once both openers were dismissed, Shemaine Campbelle added 22 and carried much of the innings through the middle overs before she was removed by Georgia Wareham in the 16th over. Her dismissal brought Deandra Dottin to the crease at number eight after she had suffered an injury before the knockout match. Dottin then lifted the total with a quick 26 off 16 balls, striking four fours.

Australia shared the wickets around, with Ashleigh Gardner, Wareham and Molineux taking two each, while Annabel Sutherland claimed one.

Chasing 126, Australia completed the target with 42 balls remaining and lost only two wickets. Mooney led the pursuit with 61 not out from 36 balls, hitting eight fours in an innings that kept Australia firmly in control.

She was supported by Gardner, who remained unbeaten on 35 from 20 balls, an innings containing four fours and a six. The pair added 63 runs together as Australia closed out the chase comfortably.

For West Indies, Chinelle Henry and Matthews took one wicket apiece, but the former champions were unable to prevent Australia from sealing a place in the title match.