END OF OVER:45 | 5 Runs | AUS-W: 305/3 | RR: 6.77
- Beth Mooney43 (31b)
- Meg Lanning26 (26b)
- Shamilia Connell8-0-45-1
- Hayley Matthews9-0-45-0
Remember, it's the first semi-final. West Indies need a humongous 306 off 270 balls to knock out and make the final. Seems improbable, but do West Indies have it in them to spring a surprise? We shall find out soon.
Aryann: "Don't see how Australia don't win the World Cup. After a 'comeback' of sorts by the Windies, Australia have still scored at close to 7 an over."
Despite her early struggles, Alyssa managed to switch gears and stroke her way to her fourth ODI ton, that set the platform for this tall Australian score. The way she was striking the ball and attempting shots after her hundred showed that she dearly wanted to make up for the dots early on, despite her strike rate being in excess of 100 at that point. Though Gardner's promotion didn't bear the desired results, Australia would be comfortable with what they have achieved.
Alyssa Healy Wasn't a flat wicket by any means but was a tennis bally wicket early on. 300 is a pretty good score. I love batting with Haynes, she is a calming influence. I couldn't get off strike but it was good to chat with someone experienced. It's a good cricket wicket, it was definitely tennis bally at the start. I assume it will be so with us. Early wickets will be crucial and maybe we can defend it.
David: "When Healy and Haynes were in, Australia was tracking for 350. So WI has pulled it back well. But too little, too late, methinks."
4:01pm West Indies fought back well through seamers Connell and Henry, both of whom had an economy under six after the Healy and Haynes show at the top. The openers took their time to get there eye in before tearing into the spinners, slowly and steadily. Matthews was one reliable spinner but nothing much to write home about apart from that for West Indies, who also were sloppy on the field.