KOLKATA: Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor both struck half-centuries as West Indies beat three-times defending champions Australia by eight wickets to win the women’s World Twenty20 title at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Matthews (66) and captain Taylor (59) added 120 for their opening stand as West Indies chased down a 148-run target with three balls to spare for their first win against the Southern Stars in nine attempts in World Twenty20.

Deandra Dottin, who took two wickets for 33, remained unbeaten on 18 to see West Indies through and spark wild celebrations among her team mates.

Earlier, eyeing their fourth successive World T20 title, Australia elected to bat first.

The Aussies lost opener Alyssa Healy early but a 77-run second wicket partnership between Lanning (52) and Villani (52) set the tone for a formidable score.

Villani’s 37-ball knock was laced with nine fours as she and Lanning were helped by some shoddy West Indies fielding as captain Stafanie Taylor juggled seven bowlers.

A late cameo by Perry (28) helped the Aussies’ cause as the Windies were left chasing 149 to grab their maiden T20 crown.