West Indies Women Triumph in Maiden WT20 Title Clash in 2016
West Indies Women clinched their first-ever World Twenty20 title in a thrilling showdown at Eden Gardens, stunning three-time champions Australia Women in an exhilarating T20 international encounter.
After completing the second-highest chase in the tournament’s history, West Indies turned their first-ever World Twenty20 final participation into a historic victory in Kolkata, defeating three-time reigning champions Australia for the first time in a T20 international. Hayley Matthews, then eighteen, and skipper Stafanie Taylor emerged victorious from the difficult chase, with their half-centuries and 120-run combination coming at a cost of more over a run a ball.
Australia Women 148 for 5 (Villani 52, Lanning 52, Perry 28, Dottin 2-33) lost against West Indies Women 149 for 2 (Matthews 66, Taylor 59) by eight wickets.
After their effort, West Indies needed two runs off of four balls. Britney Cooper pushed to Megan Schutt at midwicket and raced, resulting in an overthrow that sealed the title instead of a run-out at the bowler’s end. After their teammates cleared a path onto the field, the women were soon joined in jubilant celebrations in the center of Eden Gardens by the men from the West Indies.
When West Indies were hammered in the first half of the match by Australia’s commanding 148 for 5, thanks to half centuries from Meg Lanning and Elyse Villani, those sights hardly appeared plausible.
But Matthews and Taylor took the quest into the realm of possibilities in a clinical manner. The chase seemed inevitable from the 10-over point onwards as Matthews attacked the bowling with her combination of big-hitting power and deft dabs. She turned the tide going into the final seven overs of the chase by punishing Jess Jonassen, who had only given up 12 from her opening three overs.
Abruptly, Australia, who had been leading by four wickets after 25 overs of the match, watched the trophy disappear from their hands as their bowlers, who had so expertly choked England in a similar circumstance, gave way under duress.
Under the direction of Villani and Lanning, who each hit 52 in a dominant batting performance, the West Indies bowlers had also been under intense strain. Lanning had been treated to the best seat in the house while Villani routinely hit singles into the leg-side field. There were up to six boundaries between fine leg and deep square leg in the Powerplay overs, with full tosses being swept with ferocity and short balls being dragged with contempt. Villani’s aggressiveness contributed to Australia’s victory over Alyssa Healy’s expulsion in the second over.
Before the West Indies could really enjoy the moment, Lanning unleashed a barrage of shots with her second ball, slamming it into the point boundary. Australia was on their way to an impressive total after hitting 54 in the first six overs.
Both batsmen milked the bowling to neutralize Anisa Mohammed’s spin danger once they had the upper hand. The fact that Taylor used up to six bowlers in the first eight overs demonstrated how much Australia had thwarted the intentions of the West Indies.
Dottin had played a key role in the West Indies’ run to the championship, both with the bat and the ball. Although it had been difficult to escape her speed changes and pinpoint precision at the end, her consistency in the face of some heavy hitting from Lanning and Villani—who reached her fifty off only 34 deliveries—failed to halt the score.
Villani was caught at cover off a leading edge by the West Indies, ending a 77-run partnership off just 60 deliveries, against the flow of play. However, Ellyse Perry gave a strong push, and Lanning’s exceptional wrist and stroke work, combined with her exceptional fitness, made her aim for a mark that was beyond the West Indies.
Also Read: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Winners List (1973-2023) Full Winners And Runners List
In the fourteenth over, Lanning punished Dottin by hitting her for three straight fours, two of which pierced a crowded off-side field, helping Australia reach 100. Perry put the finishing touches on the innings after Lanning fell for 52, smashing two sixes in her 28. However, West Indies rallied and gave up just 36 in the final five overs.
The fact that Australia only managed one run in their final over of the innings seemed to incite the West Indies. However, Australia controlled the scoring for the opening three overs of the chase, giving up just nine runs. As the reigning champs started to let up, Matthews was only getting started and was putting more and more pressure on Australia.
In an attempt to reorganize halfway through the chase, Lanning called her team into a huddle, but to no avail. It was more a relief than a thrill to see Matthews removed when he misplayed a lift off Kristen Beams to midwicket with the West Indies requiring 29 from 26 balls. It gave Dottin, who wasn’t having a good day with the ball, a chance at atonement, which she gladly accepted as West Indies celebrated a momentous victory in grand manner.
Unlocking the Success of Stafanie Taylor: A Trailblazing Journey in Women’s Cricket
Discover the inspiring journey of Stafanie Taylor, West Indies cricket captain, as she defied odds and soared to the top of the women’s cricket world. Growing up in Jamaica, Taylor honed her skills in a challenging cricket environment dominated by men, setting the stage for her remarkable achievements in the sport.
From her early days as a standout in Jamaica’s cricket scene to becoming a global cricket icon, Taylor’s story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Her mentor, Leon Campbell, recognized her potential at a young age, nurturing her talent and instilling a fearless mindset on the field.
Taylor’s rise to prominence was marked by her unwavering determination to excel in cricket, despite excelling in other sports like football and netball. Her decision to prioritize cricket was fueled by the prospect of international opportunities and a passion for the game.
On the international stage, Taylor’s impact was immediate and profound. Her debut at just 17 years old showcased her immense talent, with memorable performances earning her accolades such as ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
In the historic Women’s World T20 final, Taylor’s leadership and batting prowess shone brightly as she led West Indies to a thrilling victory against Australia. Her partnership with Hayley Matthews was a masterclass in strategic batting, embodying Taylor’s ability to manage the game and deliver under pressure.
Despite her individual success, Taylor remains focused on elevating women’s cricket in the Caribbean. She advocates for more support and opportunities for female cricketers, highlighting the need for development programs and greater visibility for the women’s game.
As Taylor continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers, her legacy as one of the Caribbean’s finest athletes is firmly established. Her journey reflects the courage, resilience, and passion that define the brave world of Stafanie Taylor.
