Canberra [Australia]: England’s valiant effort, led by a half-century from Danni Wyatt and a fiery cameo from skipper Heather Knight, ended in disappointment as they suffered a narrow six-run loss against Australia in the rain-affected second T20I of the Women’s Ashes on Thursday. With this victory, Australia clinched the three-match T20I series 2-0, sealing the Ashes trophy.
Australia’s Commanding Batting Performance
Opting to bat first, Australia started strong with a 47-run opening stand between Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll. Mooney led the charge with a quick-fire 44 off 31 balls, striking seven boundaries. Voll, however, fell for just 5 after being run out by Maia Bouchier and Amy Jones.
At the end of the powerplay, Australia had amassed 54/1. Spinner Sophie Ecclestone provided a breakthrough by dismissing Mooney, reducing the hosts to 66/2. Charlie Dean followed up with a crucial double strike in the 10th over, sending Ellyse Perry (2) and Phoebe Litchfield (17) back to the pavilion.
Skipper Tahlia McGrath steadied the innings with Annabel Sutherland, adding 39 runs for the fourth wicket. The late fireworks came from McGrath (48*) and Grace Harris (35*), whose explosive 71-run partnership in just 35 balls propelled Australia to 185/5 in 20 overs.
Charlie Dean was the standout bowler for England, while Ecclestone and Freya Kemp chipped in with one wicket each.
England’s Spirited Chase
Chasing a revised target of 175 from 19.1 overs due to rain, England got off to a solid start with a 46-run opening partnership between Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt. Wyatt continued her fine form, smashing 52 off 36 balls, including eight boundaries. A 52-run stand between Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley kept England in contention before Megan Schutt dismissed both batters in quick succession, leaving England at 99/3 in the 13th over.
Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt reignited England’s hopes with a crucial 65-run partnership. Knight’s unbeaten 43 off 19 balls, laced with boundaries, gave England a fighting chance. However, Kim Garth’s timely dismissal of Sciver-Brunt (22) in the final over sealed England’s fate. With only five balls remaining, England managed 168/4, falling six runs short.
Key Performances
Megan Schutt was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 2/32, while Tahlia McGrath’s all-round performance earned her the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her unbeaten 48 and leadership.
Conclusion
Australia’s win marked another dominant display, securing the T20I series and retaining the Women’s Ashes. England’s spirited efforts, led by Wyatt and Knight, showcased their resilience but ultimately fell short against a clinical Australian side.
