New Delhi, July 1: Former Indian fast bowler Shikha Pandey credited Australia’s strategy and batting strength for their eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval.
Pandey praised Australian opener Beth Mooney, highlighting her ability to maneuver the field and create angles, making her one of the toughest batswomen in women’s cricket.
Speaking on JioStar, Shikha said, “Beth Mooney can trouble you in many ways. She is quick between the wickets, but what sets her apart is how she creates angles. She constantly moves around the crease, making it difficult for bowlers to maintain their line. Bowlers struggle to find a way to stop her. She takes a single on one run, and then on the next ball, she targets the off-stump, finding ways to hit all over the ground.”
She added, “Mooney scored 61 runs off 36 balls, and it didn’t seem like she was playing at a fast pace. This showcases the skill of a high-capacity batswoman who keeps pushing the game forward. She is very experienced. Having her alongside young players like Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield is a perfect combination for Australia.”
Shikha pointed out Australia’s intelligent batting during the chase, noting Ashleigh Gardner’s calculated approach and the team’s excellent running between the wickets as decisive factors.
She remarked, “Ashleigh Gardner played a fantastic innings. She found gaps for boundaries and took quick singles when fielders were in position. She didn’t try to overhit. By rotating the strike, she kept the scoreboard ticking. The Australians are excellent at running between the wickets, and it was evident. They turned ones into twos and applied pressure on the fielders. This kind of batting makes a difference while chasing a target.”
Shikha mentioned that the West Indies made some mistakes, particularly in their bowling changes. Giving Jahzara Claxton the sixth over was a misstep, as she conceded 18 runs, giving Australia momentum. In a match where every run counts, the extra runs scored during the powerplay proved costly for the team.
The former fast bowler noted, “The West Indies relied too heavily on Hayley Matthews. They didn’t make it easy for her. Kiana Joseph struggled from the start and never found her rhythm. The shot Matthews played before getting out was a result of her impatience to push the scoreboard. Immediately after, Joseph’s dismissal put pressure on the middle order. Australia’s bowlers were exceptional. As soon as they sensed movement in the pitch, they quickly adapted. Captain Sophie Molinuex kept her fast bowlers on for an extended period to take full advantage of the conditions.”
The first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 was played on Tuesday between the West Indies and Australia. Batting first after losing the toss, the West Indies managed to score 125 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Australia chased down the target, scoring 127 runs for 2 wickets in just 13 overs, securing their place in the finals for a record eighth time.
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