🏏ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: SF-1: Australia W vs West Indies W🏏 - Page 2

Under Sophie Molineux, Australia began a new era. She took over from Alyssa Healy and the start wasn't ideal, losing the home T20I series to India. Since then they have reeled off eight consecutive wins, including a 3-0 sweep of West Indies before this tournament and five more victories en route to the semifinal. Their hallmark has always been depth, and that has once again come to the fore, with different players stepping up at different stages. Yet, it is Ellyse Perry's experience and form that have stood out. The ace all-rounder had never scored a fifty in the previous nine editions of the tournament but already has two this time around, while also making valuable contributions with the ball. Their bowling attack has every base covered, while the batting line-up boasts enviable depth. It will take something extraordinary from West Indies to stop Australia from reaching yet another World Cup final.

Australia enter the semi-final as overwhelming favourites. In nine T20 World Cups, they have made it at least as far as the semi-final each time, qualified for the final seven times and lifted the trophy on six occasions. Moreover, Australia are undefeated so far this tournament, winning five out of five and finishing the group stage with an NRR of +3.882. West Indies on the other hand, lost to Ireland last game and just about scraped through to the semis.

So, which players hold the key this evening? For West Indies, surely that has to be captain Hayley Matthews, who hasn't had the best of times so far this tournament but generally reserves her best for Australia. And she is ready to 'prove people wrong' when West Indies take on Australia. Ashleigh Gardner also suggested that West Indies 'pose a different threat' and while Australia hold a considerable edge over them, the semi-final dynamics mean that may not matter as much.

Pitch report by Ian Smith and Dinesh Karthik: It is a beautiful afternoon in London, it is hovering around 22, 23 degrees and there is a bit of breeze at the moment. Don't think it will have a great impact in swinging the ball or whatever. In terms of ground dimensions, hitting down the ground, we are looking at 72m, you have got 62m out to the right and 61 to the left. The pockets are of equal distribution of distance. For a start, there is a nice even covering of grass. The interesting bit would be what lies underneath. General area for you to look at is where the players mark their guards or where the bowler lands. Beneath it there is a bit of dryness and even though there is a good covering of grass, there will be some seam movement at the top but after that it will become a good surface to bat on.

Australia Women have won the toss and have opted to field

Plenty of sunshine at the Oval as we get ready for the toss. Tails is the call, it's heads...

Molineux: Going to have a bowl. Looks like a good pitch to come out here and put pressure early. Same team.

Australia Women have won the toss and have opted to field

Plenty of sunshine at the Oval as we get ready for the toss. Tails is the call, it's heads...

Matthews | WI captain: Think it's a pretty good wicket at the Oval. Not going to change too much. Probably were going to have a bowl first but at the same time we feel we have nothing to lose and can play fearless cricket. Need some of our big players to step up, myself included. That's what we've missed this tournament. One of the best wickets in England. Definitely have to get a score in the first innings.

Molineux | Australia captain: Going to have a bowl. Looks like a good pitch to come out here and put pressure early. Same team. I feel like WI are an incredible team. We have to bring our best.

Teams:

West Indies Women (Playing XI): Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews(c), Shemaine Campbelle(w), Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

Australia Women (Playing XI): Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney(w), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux(c), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton

Pitch and conditions | Ian Smith and Dinesh Karthik: Beautiful afternoon in London. 23 degrees. Not expected to get hotter than that. 72 meters down the ground, 61 and 62 meters square.

Teams:

West Indies Women (Playing XI): Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews(c), Shemaine Campbelle(w), Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

Australia Women (Playing XI): Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney(w), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux(c), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton

Matthews | WI captain: Think it's a pretty good wicket at the Oval. Not going to change too much.

Kim Garth to Hayley Matthews, FOUR, flashes hard at the width on offer, more swing for Garth, takes the edge and flies through the gap between slip and short third. Bisected them to perfection as they both put in the dive.

WI. 13/0