Australia Dominate Semi-Final to Secure Final Berth
Six-time champions Australia stormed into the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over West Indies at The Kia Oval on Tuesday, June 30. The clinical all-round performance moved the defending champions within one win of their seventh title.
After captain Sophie Molineux won the toss and opted to bowl first, West Indies openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph provided a solid start with a 47-run partnership. Matthews scored 30 off 28 balls, while Joseph made 16 before Georgia Wareham broke the stand by dismissing Joseph, triggering a dramatic collapse.
Gardner and Wareham Lead Bowling Attack
Ashleigh Gardner produced the decisive spell of the innings, removing Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton in the same over as West Indies slipped from 47 without loss to 55 for 4. Sophie Molineux then claimed the wicket of Chinelle Henry (11) in the 15th over. Wareham struck again in the 16th over, dismissing Shemaine Campbelle (22), reducing West Indies to 83/6.
Deandra Dottin came in at No. 8 and fought back with an unbeaten 26 off just 16 deliveries. She combined with Jannillea Glasgow (15) for a valuable 42-run stand that lifted West Indies to a competitive 125/7. Wareham finished with figures of 2/17 in 3 overs, while Gardner took 2/13 in 4 overs. Captain Molineux also claimed two wickets, conceding 30 runs in 4 overs.
Mooney and Gardner Seal Chase in Style
Chasing 126, Australia faced early setbacks as Georgia Voll (16) and Phoebe Litchfield (4) departed cheaply. Ellyse Perry also retired hurt after scoring two, briefly raising hopes of a West Indies comeback. However, opener Beth Mooney ensured there would be no late drama. The left-hander played a fluent knock of 61 not out from only 36 balls, striking eight boundaries to put Australia firmly in control.
Gardner complemented her perfectly with an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls as the pair added an unbroken 63-run stand to wrap up the chase in just 13 overs with 42 balls to spare. The comprehensive victory sends Australia into their eighth Women's T20 World Cup final in 10 editions.
Australia Await Final Opponent
Australia will now face the winner of the second semi-final between England and South Africa at Lord's on Thursday, aiming to successfully defend their world title. According to ANI, the team produced another clinical all-round performance to move within one win of winning their seventh title.
