Australia women's cricket team overcame a sloppy fielding display to secure a comfortable 43-run victory over the West Indies women's cricket team in the opening T20I, thanks to standout performances from Beth Mooney and Alana King.
Mooney anchored the innings with a superb 79 off 55 balls, guiding Australia to 164 for 6 after a slow start. She shared a crucial 99-run partnership with Ellyse Perry, helping the visitors recover from 34 for 2 in the powerplay. After a cautious first half, Mooney accelerated impressively, bringing up her fifty in 42 balls and providing the backbone of a competitive total.
However, Australia’s innings lost momentum late, with quick wickets falling and just 23 runs coming from the final three overs as Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry applied pressure.
In response, West Indies reached 76 for 1 at one stage, aided by a string of dropped catches—five in total—from Australia’s fielders. Hayley Matthews was among those given multiple reprieves, but the missed chances ultimately did not prove costly.
King turned the game decisively with a brilliant spell of 3 for 14, removing Matthews and triggering a collapse that saw West Indies lose three wickets without scoring. Georgia Wareham also chipped in with two wickets as the hosts fell short on 121 for 6.
Despite the convincing win, Australia captain Sophie Molineux acknowledged the need for improvement in the field. Still, the all-round performance highlighted Australia’s depth, as they took a 1-0 lead in the series even on an uncharacteristically untidy night.
