Australia cruise into T20 World Cup final

Australia is through to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.

Opener Beth Mooney blasted an unbeaten half century to help her side cruise to an eight-wicket win against the West Indies in the semifinal at The Oval in London. 

They now await the winner of the second semifinal between England and South Africa early tomorrow morning (NZ time). 

The 32-year-old left-hander swatted eight fours on her way to 61 from 36 balls.

The West Indies were restricted to 125 for seven from their 20 overs.

Sophie Molineux (two for 30), Ashleigh Gardner (two for 13) and Georgia Wareham (two for 17) picked up a brace of wickets each.

Wareham got the key wicket of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who was bowled for 30 after attempting an ungainly lap shot.

Matthews was looking to get on with it and succumbed to the pressure. 

Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton followed soon after, both dismissed by the impressive Gardner for ducks as the West Indies slipped to 59 for four.

Deandra Dottin clubbed an undefeated 26 from 16 balls, and earlier Shermaine Campbelle had added 22.

But the modest total was nowhere near enough to put pressure on the talented Australian batting line-up.

Mooney led the charge, but Gardner thumped 35 not out from 20 balls to help secure the win with seven overs to spare.