A fluent half-century from Beth Mooney and a decisive bowling spell from Alana King guided Australia to a 43-run victory over West Indies in the opening T20I in St Vincent, even after the visitors endured a below-par performance in the field.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain Sophie Molineux saw her side get off to a shaky start as Australia slipped to 34/2. Georgia Voll was dismissed by Deandra Dottin in the third over, while Phoebe Litchfield followed soon after, falling to Jahzara Claxton in the sixth.
Mooney then combined with Ellyse Perry to stabilise the innings, and the duo built a vital 99-run stand. After a measured beginning, the partnership accelerated in the latter stages, adding 84 runs in seven overs beyond the halfway mark. Mooney reached her fifty from 42 deliveries, helping Australia recover strongly.
Dottin eventually ended the stand by removing Perry for 36 in the 17th over. Mooney departed shortly afterwards, caught in the deep off Chinelle Henry, but Australia had already laid the foundation for a competitive total, finishing on 164/6.
West Indies began their chase confidently and moved to 33 without loss during the Powerplay. Hayley Matthews survived two dropped chances in the fifth over, but King soon made an impact by bowling the West Indies skipper just after the fielding restrictions ended.
Qiana Joseph kept the innings alive with a steady 45 from 39 balls, as West Indies reached 69/1 at the halfway stage. Shemaine Campbelle also benefited from multiple reprieves, with missed opportunities from King, Perry and Voll allowing her to extend her stay at the crease.
The second-wicket stand of 43 runs was broken when Joseph was caught in the deep by Ashleigh Gardner. King then struck again, trapping Campbelle lbw for 15 as West Indies slipped to 76/3 before a brief rain interruption in the 13th over.
Play resumed with King immediately removing Dottin, effectively putting Australia on course for victory. The hosts eventually closed on 121/6, unable to take advantage of their strong start or Australia’s missed chances in the field.
