Australia Women outclassed West Indies Women by 43 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at Amos Vale. After being asked to bat first, Australia Women posted 164/7 in 20 overs. Beth Mooney played a superb innings of 79 runs off 55 balls, while Ellyse Perry scored 36 runs off 32 balls. Deandra Dottin (3/35 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for West Indies, while Chinelle Henry also picked up two wickets.

In response, West Indies Women looked steady in the chase initially. However, they lost three quick wickets in the 12th and 13th overs, allowing the Australian bowlers to seize control of the match. Alana King made a strong comeback to the side, while Beth Mooney played a key role with the bat. The Australian bowlers maintained tight line and length and eventually restricted West Indies Women to 121/6 in 20 overs. With this win, Australia Women took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Mooney anchors innings with steady knock

Mooney delivered the best batting performance of the match. She scored 79 runs from 55 balls, at a time when other batters struggled to find rhythm. She built a crucial 99-run partnership with Ellyse Perry. This stand helped stabilise Australia’s innings after a slow start.

In the powerplay, Australia managed just 34 runs for the loss of two wickets. The innings also slowed down towards the end, with only 23 runs coming in the final three overs.

West Indies fall short despite solid start

West Indies looked steady at one stage. They reached 76 for 1 in the 12th over, especially as Australia kept dropping catches. But the target of 165 proved too high. The chase collapsed quickly when the home side lost three wickets without adding a run within 10 balls, effectively ending their hopes.

King shines with match-winning spell

King was the standout performer with the ball. She finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 14 runs. Her bowling proved decisive, as she controlled the game and broke key partnerships at crucial moments.

Team changes and bowling choices

Australia captain Sophie Molineux did not bowl in the match as she returned from a back injury that had cut short her India tour. Despite that, Australia had enough bowling options. Perry also contributed with the ball, bowling two overs.

Mooney shifts gears after slow start

At the halfway mark, Australia were struggling at 57 for 2 and scoring slowly. However, Mooney changed the momentum just before the drinks break. She ended a long boundary drought by hitting Hayley Matthews for a lofted shot over cover.

Soon after, Perry accelerated the scoring with a four and a six off Karishma Ramharack. Mooney brought up her half-century in 42 balls, including a boundary off Jahzara Claxton. She later struck another six against Matthews, hinting at a big finish.

Dropped catches frustrate Australia

Australia struggled badly in the field. Several catches were missed at crucial moments. King dropped a difficult chance early on, but more concerning were easier chances that went down. Tahlia McGrath missed a simple opportunity at mid-off, giving Matthews a second life.

King dropped another catch later, while Perry also spilled a straightforward chance. Georgia Voll added to the tally with another dropped catch. “We'll look to tidy that up,” Molineux said post-match.