Women’s WC 2022: 1st SF Review – Australia march into final by beating WI

Australia are through to the final of the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2022. Continuing their sensational run in the competition, the Women in Yellow thrashed West Indies by 157 runs in a rain-curtailed first semi-final to seal a spot in the summit encounter. While wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy toiled the Caribbean bowlers with a breathtaking 129, Jess Jonassen made the ball talk and took a couple of crucial wickets.

Earlier in the game, West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. With rain playing a part in the game, the game was reduced to a 45-over-per-side affair. Meanwhile, the bowlers couldn’t justify the captain’s decision as Aussie openers Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes added 216 runs for the first wicket with the former scoring a brilliant ton.

A brilliant cameo from Beth Mooney meant Australia posted 305/3 while batting first. In reply, West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals and never really looked in the hunt. While skipper Stafanie Taylor scored a fighting 48, her team was bundled out for 148, losing the contest by 157 runs.

Top Performers:

Best Batter – Alyssa Healy

The Aussie opener was at her best in the knock-out fixture as she played a well-paced knock. The veteran batter was watchful in the initial overs before unleashing the onslaught. Healy played some delightful shots all over the park and scored 129 off just 107 deliveries, which includes 17 boundaries and a six. Later in the game, she also dismissed Chedean Nation via a run out.

Best Bowler – Jess Jonassen

It was an overall clinical show from the Aussies as West Indies never looked in the hunt. However, Jess Jonassen was the pick of the Aussie bowlers as she took two crucial wickets alongside keeping the scoring rate down. The left-arm spinner first took the important wicket of Hayley Matthews before dismissing Kycia Knight for a duck.

Key Stats:

157 – Australia recorded their biggest win in terms of runs (157) in Women’s World Cup knockouts. Their previous highest win was 114 runs, also against West Indies, in the final of the 2013 edition.

7 – Australia have now reached their 7th Women’s World Cup final (out of total 10 finals). They have won five out of their six earlier finals.

What’s next?

While this is the end of the road for the Women in Maroon, Australia will fight for their sixth title in the final encounter, which takes place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on April 3. Meanwhile, South Africa and England will battle it out in the second semi-final and the winner will join the Aussies in the summit clash.