Australia's opening T20I victory against the West Indies highlighted both resilience and room for improvement as the team navigated a challenging start to their tour. Despite a slow powerplay and six dropped catches, Beth Mooney emerged as the standout performer, scoring 79 off 55 balls to anchor Australia's innings. The team struggled at 2-57 after 10 overs but turned the tide with a dramatic 84-run partnership between Mooney and Ellyse Perry in the next seven overs. However, the momentum faded after both batters were dismissed, leaving Australia to add just 23 runs in the final three overs. Mooney acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to the Arnos Vale Stadium conditions, where the ball skidded unpredictably early in the innings. "It was tough to get started," she said, noting the challenges posed by the newer ball and the pace of the pitch. While she praised the team's ability to regroup after the drinks break, she suggested an earlier adjustment might have been beneficial. "Ideally, you'd like to get off to a quick start in T20 cricket, but sometimes the conditions don't allow that," she explained. "We did a good job adjusting at the 10th over, but maybe we could have gotten it right a little earlier." The team's fielding was equally mixed, with Alana King's return to T20Is shining through her 3-14 performance. However, six dropped catches marred the innings, though Mooney downplayed their impact. "Dropped catches can be contagious, but we're human and these things happen," she said. "They didn’t cost us the game, so we’re happy with the result." The match also marked a significant moment for new captain Sophie Molineux, who returned from a back injury to lead Australia. Though she did not bowl, her tactical decisions during the game were praised.#australia #west_indies #beth_mooney #sophie_molineux #ellyse_perry
Mooney Hails West Indies Victory as Crucial Prep for T20 World Cup Australia’s women’s cricket team marked the start of their Caribbean tour with a commanding 43-run victory over the West Indies in St Vincent, a result that Beth Mooney believes is vital preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The six-time T20 World Cup champions dominated the opening T20I, with Mooney leading the charge with a composed 79-run innings, earning her Player of the Match honors. Her partnership with veteran Ellyse Perry, who scored 36, helped Australia post a total of 164/6 at the Arnos Vale Ground. The West Indies struggled to build momentum in their chase, managing only 121/6 despite a spirited effort. Mooney emphasized the importance of the series as a stepping stone for the World Cup, which begins in England on June 12. “Playing T20s at this time of the year, especially against a strong West Indies side in foreign conditions, is exactly what we need ahead of the tournament,” she said. The team’s exposure to challenging conditions in the Caribbean, she argued, will better prepare them for the overseas challenges they’ll face in the World Cup. Despite the win, Australia’s performance was not without flaws. The team missed several catches during the match, frustrating captain Sophie Molineux, who admitted the errors were puzzling. “We’ve been training here and caught most of the time, so I’m not sure what it was tonight,” Molineux said. She added that the team would focus on improving their fielding in the upcoming matches. Molineux, who has been recovering from a lower back injury, did not bat or bowl in the match. Her absence highlights the team’s ongoing efforts to manage player fitness, with Molineux noting that her recovery will remain a priority throughout the tour.#beth_mooney #sophie_molineux #qiana_joseph #ellyse_perry #deandra_dottin
