DREAMS SHATTERED

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West Indies Women dream of reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup final was shattered when Australia crushed them by 157 runs in the opening semi-final at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, South Africa last Wednesday.

In a contest reduced to 45 overs per side due to a 1 3/4 hour delay at the start because of rain.

Australia dominated from the start, with Player-of-the-Match, Alyssa Healy smashing 129 from 107 balls to fire the six time champions to an imposing 303 for three.

Healy put on a 216 for the first wicket with Rachel Haynes (85 from 109 balls) while Beth Mooney arrived late to strike 43 off 31 balls.

Kycia Knight of the West Indies, left, is bowled in front of Australia’s Alyssa Healy during their semifinal match of the Women’s Cricket World Cup between Australia and West Indies in Wellington, New Zealand, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. John Cowpland/Photosport via AP

In reply, West Indies never looked like threatening the target and crashed 148 for 8 off 37 overs.

Captain Stafanie Taylor top-scored with a pedestrian 48 from 75 balls while Deandra Dottin and Haley Matthews both struck 34, but no other batter reached double figures.

Both Chinelle Henry and Anisa Mohammed were unable to bat because of injury.

Meanwhile, Australia defeated England by 71 runs in the final to win a record-extending 7th ODI World Cup title at the Hayley Ground in Christchurch. New Zealand on Sunday.

England were bundled out for 285 in 43.4 overs.