Australia have sent a clear message to their rivals at the Women's T20 World Cup after a clinical six-wicket win over West Indies in their final warm-up match in Cardiff.
Voll Shines with Unbeaten 77
Georgia Voll top-scored with 77 not out off 48 balls, smashing 10 fours and two sixes, as Australia chased down 131 with five overs to spare. The 22-year-old Queenslander, currently ranked as the world's top T20 batter, overcame a scratchy start to dominate the West Indies bowling attack.
Clinical Bowling Performance
Sophie Molineux's side bowled West Indies out for 131, with seven of eight bowlers taking wickets. Molineux herself claimed 1-19, while Kim Garth (1-13), Lucy Hamilton (2-19), Ellyse Perry (1-16), Nicola Carey (1-11), Georgia Wareham (1-10), and Ash Gardner (2-17) all contributed. Only Alana King went wicketless.
Wareham's Brilliance
Georgia Wareham was a standout, producing a Shane Warne-esque delivery to clean bowl Hayley Matthews and a superb direct hit to run out Deandra Dottin for 46.
Mooney Continues Form
Beth Mooney, who scored 43 against England earlier in the week, made 34 off 18 balls before retiring to give other batters time in the middle. Ellyse Perry fell for five, while Gardner and Wareham made seven and one respectively.
Molineux Pleased with Preparations
“I felt like there was a few bits and pieces we wanted to tick off, and we did today,” Molineux said. “All around I was pleased, and especially to be able to pull off a chase like that clinically. It’s good to see Volly get some runs; she’s been looking pretty good, but hadn’t had that score yet.”
Australia now turn their attention to their tournament opener against South Africa on Saturday. “It is a big game against South Africa, and I don’t think we want it any other way,” Molineux added.
West Indies Injury Concern
West Indies face a worry over star all-rounder Chinelle Henry, who was carried off after a nasty fall in the field. “We’re crossing fingers she’ll be OK,” captain Hayley Matthews said.
In the other warm-up match, England beat India by five runs, with Amy Jones scoring 64 and Nat Sciver-Brunt 57.
