Australia continue to establish their credentials as the firm title favourites as they hammered West Indies by 7 wickets to register their 4th straight victory and retain their spot at the top of the Women’s World Cup 2022 table.

Australia are on top of the 8-team points table with 4 wins in as many matches. Two days after they hammered New Zealand by 141 runs, Australia rested two of their strike bowlers in Darcie Brown and Amanda Jade-Wellington but still managed to bowl West Indies out for 131.

Ellyse Perry broke the back of the West Indies batting order by removing the top 3, Diandra Dottin (16), Hayley Matthews (0) and Kycia Knight (0). Perry struck twice in her first over and got the big wicket of Dottin inside the first 10 overs as West Indies were reduced to 34/3.

Ashleigh Gardner helped dismantle the middle order, dismissing Shemaine Campbelle (20), Chedean Nation (0) and West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor, whose 50 from 91 deliveries led her team’s recovery from the loss of Matthews and Knight to consecutive balls in the second over of the innings.

In reply, Rachael Haynes scored an unbeaten 83 as Australia won with 7 wickets and close to 20 overs to spare.

Haynes’ innings and her late, unbroken partnership of 74 with Beth Mooney (28) allowed Australia get past the finish line without breaking a sweat as they furthered their Net Run Rate.

‘GREAT DEPTH’

“That’s the beauty of our squad, we’ve got such great depth,” captain Meg Lanning said.

“Anyone who does come in makes an impact on the game. They’re not just part of the team, they’re able to change the game. I thought early wickets upfront today made a difference in the game, put us in front and put them under pressure.”

West Indies had Australia under some pressure when they dismissed Alyssa Healy and Lanning within the first four overs. But Haynes was immovable, posting her 17th half-century in one-day internationals and her fourth at a World Cup.

After a century against England in Australia’s opening match and scores of 34 against Pakistan and 30 against New Zealand, Haynes is averaging 92 in the tournament so far.

The West Indies began the tournament strongly with wins over New Zealand and defending champions England but now have lost heavily to India and Australia.

Australia next face Mithali Raj-led India in a much-anticipated clash on Saturday.