Australia secured a convincing win against West Indies to qualify for the final of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. The Meg Lanning-led side reached their seventh Women’s World Cup final after registering 157-run victory against West Indies, on March 30 (Wednesday).
Brilliant batting
In a rain-curtailed 45-overs-a-side contest, West Indies won the toss and decided to bowl first. But decision did not pay off as Australia started their batting on a positive note. Alyssa Healy and her brilliant opening partnership with Rachael Haynes helped the Australia team in gaining an advantage.
Healy eventually scored a century (129 runs off 107 balls) as Haynes played a brilliant innings of 85 runs off 100 balls. Healy was later adjudged as the Player of the Match for her stunning century. Their opening partnership of 216- highest opening partnership of the ongoing Women’s World Cup- helped Australia in registering a huge total of 305/3 in 45 overs.
Later, Lanning (26 not out off 26 balls) and Beth Mooney (43 runs off 31 balls) showed their amazing batting skills to help their side in reaching a huge total.
For West Indies, Chinelle Henry picked up two wickets as Shamilia Connell claimed one wicket in the semi-final against Australia.
The run chase
In reply, West Indies lost their opening batter Rashada Williams (0) in the fourth over of the innings. Hayley Matthews (34 runs off 49 deliveries) and skipper Stafanie Taylor (48 runs off 75 balls) put up some resistance but their efforts were not enough to seal a victory for West Indies. Eventually, they managed to reach a total of 148 runs.
Australia’s Jess Jonassen picked up two wickets to earn a comfortable victory for her side.
Previously, Australia became the only team to remain unbeaten in the group stage and they were also the first team to qualify for the knockout stage. On the other hand, Indian team’s heartbreaking final-ball defeat helped West Indies in qualifying for the semi-final.
In the second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup, South Africa will take on defending champions England on March 31 (Thursday). The final match of the World Cup is scheduled to take place on April 3, in Christchurch.
