LONDON: Australia reached their eighth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final by convincingly defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the first semifinal at The Oval on Tuesday.

After restricting the 2016 champions to 125 for seven, the six-time world champions romped to victory in 13 overs for the loss of just two wickets. Opener Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner shared an unbeaten partnership of 63 runs for the third wicket off only 37 balls.

Mooney returned not out on 61 from 36 balls, hitting eight fours. Gardner, who was later named Player of the Match, followed up her two for 13 with an unbeaten 35 from 20 balls, including four fours and a six.

However, the main story of the match was the events surrounding West Indies’ star player, Deandra Dottin. After her pre-match warm-up, Dottin lined up for the national anthems. During the Australian anthem, television replays showed her teammates calling for medical help.

Dottin was taken to the medical room at The Oval, where she spent nearly 30 minutes. An hour later, she walked unassisted to the dugout and came out to bat with the West Indies reeling at 83 for six in the 16th over. Dottin returned unbeaten on 26 from 16 balls with four fours, helping the West Indies to a modest total of 125 for seven.

“She had a medical issue, but she is fine now and played a great innings at the end there to give us a bit of a total,” West Indies head coach Shane Deitz told the broadcaster after the innings.

Apart from Dottin, captain Hayley Matthews scored 30 and Shemaine Campbelle contributed 22. For Australia, Gardner was well supported by Georgia Wareham (two for 17) and Sophie Molineux (two for 30).

In their run-chase, Australia, bidding for their seventh title, were never challenged as they comfortably sealed a place in Sunday’s final. They will meet the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between hosts England and South Africa, last year’s losing finalists.

Scores in brief:

1st Semifinal – Australia beat West Indies by eight wickets, The Oval

WEST INDIES 125-7, 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Deandra Dottin 26 not out, Shemaine Campbelle 22; Ashleigh Gardner 2-13, Georgia Wareham 2-17, Sophie Molineux 2-30)

AUSTRALIA 127-2, 13 overs (Beth Mooney 61 not out, Ashleigh Gardner 35 not out)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)