West Indies Women stun Australia to lift World Cup

KOLKATA – Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor both struck half-centuries as West Indies beat three-times defending champions Australia by eight wickets to win the women’s ICC World Twenty20 title at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Matthews (66) and captain Taylor (59) added 120 for their opening stand as West Indies chased down a 148-run target with three balls to spare for their first win against the Southern Stars in nine attempts in World Twenty20.

Deandra Dottin, who took two wickets for 33, remained unbeaten on 18 to see West Indies through and spark wild celebrations among her team mates.

Australia’s Elyse Villani and captain Meg Lanning had both hit 52 and added 77 for the second wicket to take their side to 148 for five after they won the toss and opted to bat.

Here’s the winning moment for #WI Women!!#WT20 #WT20Finalhttps://t.co/sVKTnitkPN

There were also individual award winners.

#WI‘s Hayley Matthews is awarded Player of the Match for her amazing innings. A star is born!#AusWvWIW #WT20 pic.twitter.com/u5MXobbivO

 With the captain leading from the front.

With 246 runs and 8 wickets. Congratulations to Player of the Tournament, #WI‘s Stafanie Taylor!#AusWvWIW #WT20 pic.twitter.com/Ss0SQB98GX

The men also shared in the celebration ahead of their match against England.

WATCH: Unbelievable scenes here in Eden Gardens as #WI Women share their celebrations with #WI Men! #WT20 #WT20Finalhttps://t.co/UngZJQzpdX

Summarised scores:

Australia Women 148 for five in 20 overs (Elyse Villani 52, Meg Lanning 52, Ellyse Perry 28; Deandra Dottin 2-33). West Indies Women 129 for two in 19.3 overs (Hayley Matthews 66, Stafanie Raylor 59, Deandra Dottin 18 n.o.). West Indies won by eight wickets with three balls to spare.