ICC Women's World Cup: WI eves stun Australia, set up final date with same opponents

File Photo: Shanel Daly of West Indies

Rank outsiders West Indies eves reached their maiden World Cup final, pulling off a shocking eight-run win over formidable Australia at the MIG Club ground here on Wednesday.

The women in maroon would meet the same opponents in the final to be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. The stunning win over the five-time champions must lift the morale of the West Indies before the final clash on Sunday.

West Indies, who desperately needed a win to make it to the final, showed nerves of steel to defend their modest total of 164 to scamper home with eight balls to spare.

This was West Indies’ first-ever win over Australia in ODIs. The sensational win turned Wednesday’s other Super Six game between defending champions England and 2008 runners-up New Zealand into a dead rubber – both England and New Zealand will have to slug it out for the third place play-off on February 15.

West Indies not just shocked Australia but also ensured defending champions England will not get an opportunity to defend their title.

Chasing 164 for victory, Australia lost openers Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes cheaply but looked well placed to push for the win at 130 for 4.

Alexandra Blackwell’s knock of 45 put Australia eves in the comfort zone but her departure triggered a collapse and they capitulated for 156.

Australia lost their last six wickets for just 26 runs.

Shanel Daley was the most successful West Indies bowler, grabbing three wickets for 22.

Earlier, all-rounder Deandra Dottin clubbed her second half-century of the tournament, scoring an enterprising 67-ball 60 as West Indies were all out for a paltry 164 in 47 overs.

Only four West Indies batswomen reached double-figures.

For Australia, Megan Schutt and Holly Ferling bagged three wickets apiece.