Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Stadium witnessed Australia’s clinical performance in the opening T20I of their three-match series against West Indies. Electing to bat after winning the toss, the Aussies overcame a shaky start to post 164/6, driven by Beth Mooney’s masterful 79-run innings. West Indies managed only 121/6 in pursuit, handing Australia a commanding 43-run victory and a 1-0 series lead.
The innings began poorly with Georgia Voll out for 8 and Phoebe Litchfield for 6, both falling at 34. Beth Mooney then joined Ellyse Perry to forge a match-defining 99-run partnership for the third wicket, pushing the score to 133 by the 16.3 over mark. Perry departed soon after for 36 (32 balls, 2×4, 1×6), leaving Mooney to anchor the innings.
Mooney’s 55-ball stay featured 7 boundaries and 2 sixes, ending at 143/4. The tail couldn’t add much, but Deandra Dottin’s 3/35 and Shamilia Connell’s 2/28 kept them in check. Chasing 165, West Indies’ Kiana Joseph shone with 45, supported by Taylor’s 28, but Australia’s spin attack dismantled them.
Alana King starred with 3/14 from her 4 overs, while Georgia Wareham grabbed 2/14. Kim Garth chipped in with 1/17. Mooney’s brilliance fetched her the Player of the Match award. As the series heads to game two on Sunday, West Indies face an uphill battle against the world champions.
