Aguilleira rues another knockout stumble

West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira said that they allowed Australia to score a crucial 20 runs more than they should have in their semi-final. The dismissals of the key batting duo Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin were also crucial as West Indies fell short by eight runs.

Australia made 140 for 5 in 20 overs, having pressed the accelerator in the last five overs when Alyssa Healy helped them add 48 runs. West Indies were also on 92 at the start of the 16th over, but their chance of hunting down the target diminished when Dottin holed out at deep midwicket in the penultimate over.

"I think they got 20 runs too many," Aguilleira said. "We were in good positions but we lost them. I think that's an area we need to look at. We were in control to restrict them to a respectable total.

"I think both [dismissals were crucial]. They [Dottin and Taylor] are the two main batters in the team. It was really pleasing to see other individuals stepping up to the plate but Taylor's run out was very touching to us. We had King and Dottin batting, and they looked good but it was hard to see her getting out."

Ahead of the game, Aguilleira said she knew exactly what sort of pressure her team would be facing in the field. As a result, she was satisfied with her team's performance in the tournament, particularly after losing four games in New Zealand earlier this year.

"Coming in here, we knew we were playing the world champions. They weren't going to give up their position just like that. Australia are in the top of the table, and we are in a stage of development. I think the improvement from my team is good.

"We still have faith that we can take the team to the next level. After coming back from New Zealand where it was tough, we needed to do well here. We played good cricket, but we couldn't carry it to the next level. There's a lot of faith in us. We will come back stronger."