West Indies claimed their first ICC Women’s World Twenty20 title after beating Australia by eight wickets in Kolkata
Elyse Villani and Meg Lanning posted half-centuries as the three-time defending champions set an imposing target of 149 to win after winning the toss.
But captain Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews would set the Windies on their way with a century partnership before an overthrow in the penultimate over clinched a record-breaking run chase.
Prior to the final, West Indies had never beaten Australia in T20Is while the Southern Stars were looking to win their fourth consecutive T20 title.
Despite losing Healy early, Villani punished the Windies bowling attack, crushing nine fours in her 52 as the three-time defending champions were 54 for one after the powerplay.
SLanning would join Villani to record a 77-run second-wicket stand. Deandra Dottin would grab the wicket of Villani before Anisa Mohammed trapped Lanning lbw on 52 as Australia were on pace to set a commanding target.
Dottin went on to bowl four dots in the final over as well as ending Ellyse Perry’s entertaining 28 and running out Erin Osbourne for a duck as Australia set West Indies 148 for five – the highest score in a T20 final.
Taylor and Matthews got the Windies off to a strong start with both openers posting half-centuries as the latter became the youngest player, at 18-years of age, to score 50 in the World T20 final.
Matthews would go on to post the highest score in a women’s World T20 final as she fell for 66 off Kristen Beams.
Rene Farrell set up a tense finish as she claimed the prize wicket of Taylor for 58 with West Indies needing five runs from eight balls.
A Megan Schutt overthrow would seal a memorable triumph and end Australia’s dominance in the competition.
RT @DanaHosein: Everybody know @windieswomen are #WT20 #Champions #WI Congratulations ladies! Onto you @westindies men #Finals
— westindies (@westindies) April 3, 2016
Source: ECB