Women's WC: Australia ease past West Indies, stay atop Women’s WC

Rachael Haynes scored an unbeaten 83 as Australia took another step in its inexorable progress to a seventh Women’s Cricket World Cup title, beating the West Indies by seven wickets Tuesday to remain unbeaten after four group matches.

Backing up only two days after it beat host New Zealand by 141 runs, Australia rested leading bowlers Darcie Brown and Amanda-Jade Wellington and still bowled out the West Indies for 131.

Haynes’ innings and her late, unbroken partnership of 74 with Beth Mooney (28) allowed Australia to reach its target with almost 20 full overs remaining.

The day began well for Australia in advantageous bowling conditions. Light rain delayed the start of play by 30 minutes without costing any overs and play began in heavy overcast and windy conditions.

There was an ominous sign for the West Indies batters from the very first ball when Megan Schutt bowled a hooping inswinger to Deandra Dottin, helped by the wind. Schutt continued to swing the ball into the right-handers while Elysse Perry had the ability to take it away on both sides of the wicket.

Brief scores: West Indies 131 in 45.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 50; Ellyse Perry 3-22, Ashleigh Gardner 3-25) lost to West Indies 132/3 in 30.2 overs (Rachael Haynes 83*) by seven wickets.