The ICC Women’s World T20 came down to the business end. It was the day of the semi-finals at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua. We now know the 2 teams that stand out and will go head to head for the ultimate glory. Australia and England won their respective matches and will meet in the final.
In the first semi-final, Australia took on Windies. The Australians batted first after losing the toss. They made the best use of the slow surface that became difficult to bat on later. Alyssa Healy scored 46 and the captain Meg Lanning made 31 that helped them to 142/5 from their 20 overs.
In reply, the defending champions were never in the game. They were bowled out for just 71 in 17.3 overs. Every single Australian bowler that came into the attack, responded with wickets. It was as clinical a performance can get as Australia stormed into the final with a win by 71 runs.
On the other hand, India batted first after winning the toss against England in the second semi-final. Smriti Mandhana was on fire in the beginning. She provided a good start with a knock of 34. But after her departure, the Indian innings went into disarray as they bundled out for 112.
The bowlers provided 2 early breakthroughs that kept the hopes alive. The surface offered assistance to the spinners. But the pair of Amy Ellen Jones and Natalie Sciver just ran away with the game with a brilliant partnership of 92. Both the batters scored half-centuries as England won by 8 wickets with 17 balls to spare.
The final between Australia and England will take place on Saturday, November 24 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua.
ICC Women’s World T20, Semi-Final 1: Australia vs West Indies Match Summary
Windies won the toss and opted to bowl first
Australia:Â 142/5 in 20 overs
Alyssa Healy 46 (38), Meg Lanning 31 (39)
Stefanie Taylor 20/1 (4), Hayley Matthews 24/1 (4)
Windies:Â 71/10 in 17.3 overs
Stefanie Taylor 16 (28), Chinelle Henry 8 (13)
Ellyse Perry 2/2 (2), Ashleigh Gardner 15/2 (4)
Australia won by 71Â runs
Player of the Match: Alyssa Healy
ICC Women’s World T20, Semi-Final 2: India vs England Match Summary
India won the toss and opted to bat first
India:Â 112/10 in 19.3 overs
Smriti Mandhana 34 (23), Jemimah Rodrigues 26 (26)
Heather Knight 9/3 (2), Kirstie Gordon 20/2 (4)
England:Â 71/10 in 17.3 overs
Amy Ellen Jones 53* (47), Natalie Sciver 52 (38)
Radha Yadav 20/1 (4), Deepti Sharma 24/1 (4)
England won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Amy Ellen Jones
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