Australia registered their place in another Women’s T20 World Cup Final. The defending champions beat West Indies by eight wickets at The Oval. They chased down 126 in just 13 overs. Beth Mooney led the way with a brilliant unbeaten 61. It was a dominant, professional performance from start to finish.
West Indies Struggle to 125
West Indies batted first. They never quite found their rhythm. Australia’s bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings. Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Molineux, and Georgia Wareham all bowled with discipline.
Hayley Matthews top-scored for West Indies. She tried to lead from the front, just as she promised before the match. But wickets fell at regular intervals around her. There was also a worrying moment for the Caribbean side. Deandra Dottin needed to be carried off the field during the innings. She later returned to bat at number eight. West Indies eventually finished on 125 for 7 after their 20 overs.
Mooney and Gardner Cruise Through the Chase
Chasing 126, Australia lost two early wickets inside the powerplay. Hayley Matthews struck again, trapping Phoebe Litchfield lbw for just 4. For a moment, West Indies sensed an opportunity.
That moment did not last long. Beth Mooney walked in and never looked back. She batted with total control from the very first ball. Ashleigh Gardner joined her soon after Ellyse Perry’s brief stay at the crease before being retired hurt. The pair settled the innings completely.
Mooney brought up her half-century in style. She finished unbeaten on 61 off just 36 balls. Gardner supported her well, scoring a brisk 35 off 20 balls and took couple of wickets. Together, they rotated strike smartly and found the gaps with ease.
Gardner Seals It in Style
The finish came with seven overs still to spare. Ashleigh Gardner whipped the winning boundary to confirm Australia’s place in the final. It capped off another emphatic display from the tournament’s most dominant side.
Australia have now won six matches in a row at this World Cup. They have not been seriously tested at any stage of the competition.
A Perfect Group Stage Sets the Tone
This semi-final win continues a flawless run for Australia. They topped Group A after winning all five of their group matches. Their record-breaking chase against India at Lord’s ended the hosts’ campaign and also sent a clear message to every team left in the tournament.
West Indies took a much rockier road to reach this stage. They won their opening three group games. Then they lost back-to-back matches against England and Ireland. Hayley Matthews’ side still scraped through on net run rate, finishing second in Group B.
Australia’s Incredible Record at World Cups
Australia’s dominance at this tournament is nothing new. In nine T20 World Cups, they have reached at least the semi-final every single time. They have qualified for the final on seven occasions. They have lifted the trophy six times. No side in the women’s game comes close to matching that consistency.
For more on how Australia’s group stage campaign unfolded against India, our earlier coverage of the qualifying sides for Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 explains how that very result also helped shape Australia’s automatic Olympic qualification alongside their march toward this final.
What Comes Next
Australia now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and England. That match takes place at The Oval on July 2. The final itself will be played at Lord’s on July 5.
For West Indies, the tournament ends in heartbreak. They pushed hard throughout the group stage. But against an Australian side this dominant, it was always going to be a difficult ask.
Conclusion
Australia have shown once again why they remain the team to beat in women’s cricket. Beth Mooney’s calm, controlled innings did the heavy lifting. Ashleigh Gardner provided the perfect support act. With one more win, Australia could lift a seventh T20 World Cup title. Few would bet against them. Check out the Indian Women’s squad for Asian Games 2026.