Wellington: Australian bowlers Ellyse Perry (3/22) and Ashleigh Gardner (3/25) ran through the West Indies batting line-up, while top-order batter Rachael Haynes smashed a 95-ball unbeaten 83 as the six-time champions won their ICC Women's World Cup match against the Stafanie Taylor-led side with remarkable ease at the Basin Reserve here on Tuesday.
The performance by the Australian trio helped Australia win by seven wickets with 118 balls remaining as the side maintained its unbeaten status in the tournament.
Thanks to Perry and Gardner's efforts, the Courtney Walsh-coached West Indies were bundled out for just 131 in 45.5 overs. In reply, Haynes's blistering half-century was enough to guide Australia to a big win in 30.2 overs.
While Perry picked up two wickets in her first over and three during a magnificent opening spell, the West Indies showed glimpses of the form that helped them to upset victories over hosts New Zealand and England at the start of the tournament. While captain Taylor (50) led the way with the bat, Hayley Matthews (1/31 and three standout catches) excelled in the field.
But the difference in class was too stark, as Australia made it four from four at the event and extended their lead at the top of the tournament standings.
The West Indies remain in fifth place and will need to win at least two of their remaining three fixtures to progress to the semifinal stage.
While Perry's opening spell set the tone for a dominant Australian performance, she received good support from spinners Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen (2/18) throughout.
Perry had the ball swinging both ways, with Matthews (0) and Kycia Knight (0) falling consecutively to excellent deliveries as West Indies were reduced to 4/2 in the second over.
Brief scores: West Indies 131 in 45.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 50; Ellyse Perry 3/22, Ashleigh Gardner 3/25, Jess Jonassen 2/18) lost to Australia 132/3 in 30.2 overs (Rachael Haynes 83 not out, Beth Mooney 28 not out) by seven wickets.
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