LONDON: Australia booked their place in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday.
Beth Mooney struck an unbeaten 61 and Ashleigh Gardner finished 35 not out as Australia chased down a target of 126 in just 13 overs to reach their first Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2023.
Australia will face either hosts England or South Africa, who meet in the second semi-final on Thursday, in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Australia relied on disciplined spin bowling to limit the West Indies to 125 for seven despite a late fightback from Deandra Dottin.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews made an aggressive start, striking boundaries off Lucy Hamilton, Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux before becoming the first wicket to fall for 30 when she was bowled attempting a paddle sweep against Georgia Wareham.
Qiana Joseph struggled for fluency throughout her innings before Molineux dismissed her for 16, while Ashleigh Gardner removed both Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton for ducks as the Caribbean side slipped to 59 for four.
Chinelle Henry contributed 10 before Annabel Sutherland took a well-judged catch at long-on to give Molineux her second wicket.
Shemaine Campbelle offered brief resistance with 22 before holing out to Ellyse Perry off Wareham.
Dottin, who had earlier sparked concern after requiring assistance from team-mates following the pre-match anthems, recovered to produce an unbeaten 26. She shared a 42-run stand with Jannillea Glasgow, helping West Indies post a competitive total.
Gardner finished with figures of 2-13, while Wareham claimed 2-17 and Molineux took 2-30.
Australia made a brisk start to the chase as Georgia Voll struck a six and two fours before Chinelle Henry dismissed her for 16.
Hayley Matthews then trapped Phoebe Litchfield leg before wicket for four, reducing Australia to 43 for two.
Mooney quickly seized control of the innings, attacking Jahzara Claxton’s first over of the tournament for 18 runs as Australia accelerated through the powerplay.
She reached her half-century from just 29 deliveries, her second of the tournament, before combining with Gardner in an unbroken partnership that carried Australia comfortably to victory.
Gardner sealed the win with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on 35 from 20 balls.
Scoreboard
West Indies: 125-7 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Deandra Dottin 26 not out; Ashleigh Gardner 2-13, Georgia Wareham 2-17, Sophie Molineux 2-30)
Australia: 127-2 in 13 overs (Beth Mooney 61 not out, Ashleigh Gardner 35 not out; Chinelle Henry 1-20, Hayley Matthews 1-23)
