Women's T20 WC 2026: Molineux, Gardner, Wareham bowl Australia into final, restrict West Indies to 125/7
Synopsis
Australia's bowling attack dismantled West Indies in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at The Oval, with Molineux, Gardner, and Wareham each taking two wickets to trigger a collapse from 47/0 to 59/4. Only Deandra Dottin's defiant 26 not out off 16 balls salvaged a total of 125/7 — leaving the six-time champions firm favourites to advance.
Key Takeaways
West Indies were restricted to 125/7 in 20 overs by Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 first semifinal at The Oval, London on 30 June .
Ashleigh Gardner (2/13) , Georgia Wareham (2/17) , and captain Sophie Molineux (2/30) each claimed two wickets.
West Indies collapsed from 47/0 to 59/4 after Hayley Matthews was bowled for 30 .
Deandra Dottin top-scored with an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls to push West Indies past 120 .
Annabel Sutherland also contributed with figures of 1/26 .
Australia , six-time champions, now await their final opponent as they chase a record-extending seventh title.
Australia bowled their way into the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a clinical display at The Oval, London, on Tuesday, 30 June, restricting West Indies to 125/7 in 20 overs in the first semifinal. Captain Sophie Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner, and Georgia Wareham each claimed two wickets as the six-time champions dismantled the Windies middle order to set up a chase.
Powerplay Promise, Middle-Order Collapse
Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph opened confidently for West Indies, ending the powerplay at 35/0. Matthews looked assured at the top, while Joseph struggled for fluency but held firm. Australia maintained disciplined lines and lengths, denying the openers any easy scoring opportunities throughout the first six overs.
The breakthrough arrived in the ninth over when Matthews was bowled for 30, ending a 47-run opening stand. What followed was a dramatic collapse — Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton both fell for 0, and Joseph managed only 16. West Indies crumbled from 47/0 to 59/4 in a matter of overs, handing Australia complete control of the contest.
Dottin's Defiance Rescues Respectability
Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry attempted to rebuild, but Henry was caught in the deep for 10 in the 15th over. Campbelle contributed 22 before falling in the following over, leaving West Indies in need of a late flourish.
Deandra Dottin — who had been forced off the field shortly after the national anthems but returned to bat — provided exactly that. The seasoned all-rounder struck boundaries regularly in a punishing 26 not out off 16 balls, lifting West Indies past the 120-run mark. Glasgow chipped in with 15 before falling on the final ball of the innings.
Australia's Bowling Figures
Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/13, while Georgia Wareham returned 2/17 to cut through the middle order. Captain Sophie Molineux took 2/30, and Annabel Sutherland chipped in with 1/26. The collective effort left West Indies well short of a competitive total on a surface that had offered early assistance to the bowlers.
What's at Stake
Australia now await their opponents from the second semifinal as they target a record-extending seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup title. West Indies, for their part, will need a batting revival of significant proportions if they are to overhaul the target and deny the Southern Stars a place in the final.
Brief scores: West Indies 125/7 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Deandra Dottin 26*; Ashleigh Gardner 2/13, Georgia Wareham 2/17) vs Australia.
Point of View
Rebuild through the middle — was exposed the moment Matthews fell in the ninth over. The collapse from 47/0 to 59/4 was not a fluke; it was the product of Australia's relentless line-and-length discipline on a surface that rewarded patience. Dottin's cameo was brave but cosmetic. At 125/7, West Indies are defending a total that Australia's batting order, on current form, should chase down with overs to spare. The real question this semifinal answers is not whether Australia will win, but whether any team in this tournament has a bowling attack disciplined enough to challenge them in the final.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was West Indies' score in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal?
West Indies scored 125/7 in 20 overs in the first semifinal against Australia at The Oval, London, on 30 June 2026. Hayley Matthews top-scored with 30 and Deandra Dottin contributed an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls.
Who were the top wicket-takers for Australia in the semifinal?
Ashleigh Gardner (2/13), Georgia Wareham (2/17), and captain Sophie Molineux (2/30) each claimed two wickets. Annabel Sutherland also contributed with 1/26.
How did West Indies collapse in the semifinal?
West Indies were cruising at 47/0 after Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's opening stand, but the innings unravelled after Matthews was bowled for 30 in the ninth over. Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton both fell for 0, sending West Indies tumbling to 59/4 within a few overs.
What was Deandra Dottin's role in the West Indies innings?
Deandra Dottin, who had briefly left the field after the national anthems but returned to bat, scored an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls. Her boundary-hitting in the death overs helped West Indies cross the 120-run mark and reach a more competitive total.
What is at stake for Australia after this semifinal performance?
Australia, six-time ICC Women's T20 World Cup champions, advance to the final where they target a record-extending seventh title. They await the winner of the second semifinal.
