Australia and West Indies, the two teams that faced each other in the final of the 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup, faced off against each other today. Starting at the toss Stephanie Taylor captain of the West Indie team won and elected to to have a bat first. Batting for the West Indies wasn’t to impressive today with only four players getting into double figures. Leading the batting for the Windies was Hayley Matthews who top scored with 46 runs. Batting at 2-86, captain Taylor and Chedean Nation were trying to get a momentum going for the Windies. However, the bowlers for the Australians were always on target, picking up wickets at regular intervals. Playing some crazy and cheap shots, hesitant running in between the wickets, the batting lineup was crumbling rapidly. Staring with the ball for the Australians was Ellyse Perry who had figures of 3-47 from 9 overs. The Windies women were bowled out for 204 from 47.5 overs.
Chasing a rather small total the Australian women got off to a quick start, with openers Nicole Bolton and Beth Mooney. The Windies bowling attack struggled to get a wicket, as these two openers put Australia in a strong position from the beginning. By the 23rd over Australia were batting 106-0, with Mooney on 49 and Bolton on 44. Just patiently getting closer and closer to their victory. Taylor will get the breakthrough for the Windies women, however the damage was already done. She bowled Mooney who departed on a well played 70 inclusive of 7 4s. Bolton got to her century as she lead her team to victory, starting their campaign off with a win. The Australians got to their target comfortably winning by 8 wickets, ending on 205-2 from 38.1. overs.
Women’s World Cup action continues tomorrow with England and Pakistan facing each other.
