The greatest women’s cricket team, Australia, are into their 8th Women’s T20 World Cup final. On June 30 in London, the 6-time champions demolished the West Indies women’s cricket team at The Oval in the first semifinal of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
The Sophie Molineux-led team opted to bowl first. The Women in Maroon didn’t lose a wicket until the 9th over but failed to score quickly. Once Windies captain Hayley Matthews departed for 30, the floodgates opened. In the next 16 balls, Windies lost 3 wickets for 12 runs.
Australia thrash West Indies in semifinal
Molineux, Ash Gardner and Georgia Wareham took control of the game, and the Windies kept sliding. At 83/6 in 15.3 overs, it looked like even getting to 120 would be tough. That’s when veteran Deandra Dottin stepped up. The all-rounder wasn’t feeling well and batted at number 8.
Her 26-run cameo took the West Indies to 125. The score wasn’t even, but Dottin did her best. Australia‘s experienced opener Beth Mooney came out all gun’s blazing. Although Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield didn’t trouble the scorers, Mooney smashed 41 off 19 in the powerplay and killed the chase.
She remained unbeaten on 61 off 35, and Gardner chipped in with a 35 off 20 knock as Australia chased the target down in just 13 overs. Ellyse Perry retired hurt in the 7th over of the chase, which might be a concern for Australia, but she has 4 days to recover.
Now, Australia awaits one of England or South Africa, who will face off in the second semifinal at The Oval on July 2. The final will be played at Lord’s on July 5. England, who won the Women’s T20 World Cup in its inaugural edition in 2009, are looking for their second trophy. South Africa, who were the finalists in 2023 and 2024, are hoping to win their maiden title.
Australia results at Women’s T20 World Cup
| Edition | Result |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Semi-finalists |
| 2010 | Champions |
| 2012 | Champions |
| 2014 | Champions |
| 2016 | Runners-up |
| 2018 | Champions |
| 2020 | Champions |
| 2023 | Champions |
| 2024 | Semi-finalists |
| 2026 | Advanced to Final |
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