Two sides that are known to play aggressive
faced off in what promised to be a thrilling finale. Australia threw the early
punches, West Indies then counter punched in the chase as the might of their
explosive batting line-up resurfaced their maiden entry into the Women World
T20 final ending in a blaze of glory at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
West Indies were run ragged in the
first half as half-centuries from Elyse Villani and Meg Lanning helped
Australia post an imposing 148 for 5. Enter Hayley Mathews and Stafanie Taylor
and a daunting chase was clinically
brought into the realms of possibility courtesy an opening stand of 120 in 15.4
overs. Once within striking distance, Taylor and Dottin brought all their experience
to the fore by seeing off the highest successful chase in Women T20 history
with three balls to spare.
Something about the last overs of
their bowling stint, off which they conceded just one run, fired West Indies.
Despite having the momentum with them, it was going to be a mountain to climb.
For the first three overs of their chase, Australia had a lid on the runs, having
conceded just eight. Then they relaxed, only to see Mathews unfurl boundary
after boundary to leave Australia ducking for cover.
Halfway through the chase, Lanning
called her team into a huddle in a bid to regroup. But that was to no avail. The
wicket of Mathews, who miscued a pull off Kristen Beams to midwicket with West
Indies 29 off 26 balls, came as relief, more than joy. That allowed Dottin, who
had an off day with ball, a shot at redemption, which she gleefully accepted as
West Indies celebrated a historic triumph in style.
