Australia Women Defeat West Indies by 35 Runs in T20 World Cup Warm Up Match

Australia Women overcame a shaky start to defeat West Indies by 35 runs in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The all-round performances of Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner, coupled with Alana King's four-wicket haul, helped Australia secure a comfortable win despite early batting setbacks.

Australia's Middle-Order Rescue Mission

Australia were put in to bat by the West Indies and struggled early on, with four of their top six batters dismissed for single-figure scores. The early loss of Alyssa Healy (4), Beth Mooney (6), Meg Lanning (9), and Ellyse Perry (5) left Australia reeling, as the West Indies bowlers found success in the early stages of the innings.

Ashleigh Gardner, however, stood firm and built a crucial partnership with Annabel Sutherland. The duo added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, providing much-needed stability to the Australian innings. Sutherland played a well-constructed knock of 38, while Gardner contributed 31, helping their side recover from a precarious position.

The innings ended on a high note, with Alana King scoring a quickfire 21 off 13 balls, which pushed Australia to a competitive total of 144/8 from their 20 overs. Aaliyah Alleyne (2/24) and Afy Fletcher (2/36) were the standout bowlers for the West Indies.

West Indies Collapse in Run Chase

The West Indies made a solid start in their chase, with openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph putting on 68 runs for the first wicket. Matthews looked in good form, scoring 42, while Joseph made a valuable contribution of 36. Their partnership provided a strong platform for the West Indies to chase down the target.

However, the tide turned once Australia managed to break the opening partnership. Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle added 24 runs for the second wicket before the collapse began. Annabel Sutherland struck in quick succession, removing Campbelle (9) and Deandra Dottin (0) with consecutive deliveries, which led to a dramatic collapse for the West Indies.

Wickets continued to fall in quick succession, and the West Indies lost eight wickets for just 41 runs. Matthews was the last hope for the Windies, but her dismissal for 42, leaving her team at 104/8, effectively ended their chances of winning. Alana King wrapped up the innings with a brilliant bowling performance, taking 4/30, while Tayla Vlaeminck supported with figures of 3/33.

The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 109 in 17.5 overs, falling 35 runs short of the target set by Australia.

Scorecard Summary

Australia Innings: 144/8 in 20 overs

• Annabel Sutherland: 38 (30 balls)
• Ashleigh Gardner: 31 (28 balls)
• Alana King: 21 (13 balls)
• Aaliyah Alleyne: 2/24
• Afy Fletcher: 2/36

West Indies Innings: 109 all out in 17.5 overs

• Hayley Matthews: 42 (37 balls)
• Qiana Joseph: 36 (32 balls)
• Alana King: 4/30
• Tayla Vlaeminck: 3/33

Result: Australia won by 35 runs.

Key Takeaways

Australia's middle-order resilience proved crucial in their victory, with Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner anchoring the innings after early setbacks. Alana King's all-round performance, including a vital cameo with the bat and four wickets with the ball, was instrumental in securing the win.

The West Indies, despite a promising start in their chase, were unable to capitalize on their openers' contributions, as a batting collapse led to their downfall. Australia will take confidence from their recovery and bowling performance, while the West Indies will look to address their middle-order struggles ahead of the tournament.