Australia picked up their fourth consecutive win to stay on top of the ICC Women's World Cup points table as they beat West Indies by seven wickets in Wellington. West Indies chose to bat and were able to make just 131 which Australia were able to polish off in 30.2 overs.
Ellyse Perry landed the early blows when she had Hayley Matthews and Kycia Knight dismissed for ducks on consecutive deliveries in the second over. Even though Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor got the innings going, their promising stand was nipped by Perry in the tenth over. At 34 for 3, Taylor, who struck a half-century, needed someone to rally with her.
Instead, West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals and couldn't really fight back. Ashleigh Gardner too bagged three wickets as Australia dominated proceedings with no lower-order batter making any significant contribution.
In the chase, West Indies did manage to get Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning early, but weren't able to induce any panic. Perry too struggled with the bat, making 10 off 31, but Rachael Haynes smashed unbeaten 83 to ensure the door was shut on West Indies. Beth Mooney too stayed unbeaten - and made 74 with Haynes - as Australia ensured the others had a clear picture of their might.
