Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Australia Storm Into Eighth Final as Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner Dominate

Australia booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final for a record eighth time after crushing West Indies by eight wickets with 42 balls to spare in the first semifinal at The Oval on Tuesday. Beth Mooney starred with an unbeaten 61, while Ashleigh Gardner produced a match-winning all-round performance to keep Australia’s title defence firmly on track.

Australia Reach Women’s T20 World Cup Final in Dominant Fashion

Beth Mooney produced another masterclass in an ICC knockout match while Ashleigh Gardner capped an outstanding all-round performance as six-time champions Australia crushed West Indies by eight wickets with 42 balls to spare in the first semifinal of the Women’s T20 World Cup at The Oval on Tuesday, booking their place in the tournament final for the eighth time.

Australia’s chase of 126 runs finished with seven overs to spare, marking the biggest victory by balls remaining in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup knockout history for targets over 100.

The commanding victory further underlined Australia’s dominance in global women’s cricket and reinforced their status as overwhelming favourites for the title.

Beth Mooney Leads Australia’s Clinical Chase

Mooney stayed unbeaten at 61 off 36 balls, achieving the fourth-highest individual score by an Australian in a Women’s T20 World Cup knockout match.

Australia began their chase aggressively. Georgia Voll scored regularly until Chinelle Henry dismissed her for 16 off 11 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield managed just four before departing cheaply.

From that point, Mooney controlled the innings. She reached a brilliant half-century off just 29 deliveries, keeping Australia firmly on course.

Ashleigh Gardner remained unbeaten on 35 as the pair stitched together an unbroken 84-run partnership that effectively sealed Australia’s place in another World Cup final.

Ashleigh Gardner and Australia’s Bowlers Restrict West Indies

Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to field.

West Indies suffered an early setback when Deandra Dottin required medical attention shortly before the start. Captain Hayley Matthews top-scored with 30 before Georgia Wareham dismissed her.

West Indies slipped dramatically from 47/1 to 83/6 as Australia’s disciplined bowling attack tightened its grip.

A late partnership between Jannillea Glasgow and the returning Dottin lifted West Indies to 125/7.

Gardner finished with outstanding figures of 2/13, while Georgia Wareham (2/17) and Sophie Molineux (2/30) played crucial roles in Australia’s clinical bowling display.

Injury Concern Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup Final

There was a minor injury concern when Ellyse Perry left the field with a quad issue for assessment during the chase.

Australia will now await the winner of the second semifinal, with Perry’s fitness likely to be closely monitored ahead of the championship clash.

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