Australia defeated West Indies by 43 runs in the first women’s T20 international, overcoming a shaky start. The victory was propelled by Beth Mooney’s 79 and Alana King’s three wickets. The match also marked the beginning of the Sophie Molineux era, though her role remains unclear after she did not bat or bowl.
King’s Bowling and Fielding Redemption
West Indies made a promising start to their 165-run chase, but Australia’s messy performance in the field threatened to undermine them. Alana King dropped three catches early in the innings. However, King struck back with the ball, dismissing Hayley Matthews (11) with an exquisite delivery.
King trapped Shemaine Campbelle (15) in front then bowled Deandra Dottin for a duck. She ended her spell with a double-wicket maiden and figures of 3 for 14. The hosts looked to play the 30-year-old tweaker cautiously from there but could not resist King turning the game either side of a brief rain delay.
Mooney and Perry Steady Australia
Beth Mooney, the No 1 batter in the ICC’s T20 rankings, scored a punchy 79 from 55 deliveries. Ellyse Perry contributed 36 from 32 as Australia reached 164-6. Australia gradually brushed off a shaky start to reach a more imposing total. Dottin (3 for 35) did the damage early for West Indies when dismissing Georgia Voll for 8.
Molineux’s Unclear Role
There were doubts before the toss about whether Sophie Molineux would bowl on her return to the XI. She was sidelined by a back injury during the back half of the multi-format series against India. Even as Australia’s middle-order collapsed, the 28-year-old stayed in the stands as King, Georgia Wareham, and vice-captain Tahlia McGrath were sent in to bat ahead of Molineux.
Wareham’s Contribution
West Indies opener Qiana Joseph (45 from 39) gave the hosts a glimmer of hope. She made the most of an early life from King on the way to clubbing seven boundaries and a six. Stafanie Taylor (28 from 25) carried West Indies toward a more respectable 121-6. Another Australia legspinner, Georgia Wareham (2 for 14), beat the veteran for flight and had her caught in the deep in the final over.
Spin twins King and Wareham staked their claims to be part of Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Australia’s new-look side overcame six spilled chances before turning the screw late for a 43-run victory.