Australia post 148/5 in women's WT20 final against Windies

Fifties each from Elyse Villani and captain Meg Lanning propelled the Australian women's cricket team to a challenging total of 148/5 in the World Twenty20 final against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens here on Sunday.

Lanning and Villani scored 52 runs each for the three-time defending champions. For the West Indies, Deandra Dottin returned the figures of 2/33.

After electing to bat, Australia got off to a flyer even after losing an early wicket. Alyssa Healy in the second over was out caught and bowled by Hayley Matthews with the score reading 15/1.

But then the other opener Villani and Lanning took the innings forward with some exquisite shots. At the end of the powerplay, Australia managed to notch 54 runs.

The duo continued to score freely with Villani being the aggressor. The West Indies finally were able to break the 77-run partnership in the 12th over.

Lanning, who was quiet at the other end until then, took over from where Villani left off. The skipper, after anchoring the innings, shifted gears after the 15th over and completed her half-century.

Just after the milestone, Lanning fell trying to sweep one fine.

Ellyse Perry (28) then hit a few big ones in the last three overs to take the score to a commendable one.

Brief scores: Australia: 148/5 (Elyse Villani 52, Meg lanning 52; Deandra Dottin 2/33, Hayley Matthews 1/13) vs West Indies.