Australia Women retained the Ashes series by defeating England in the first T20I with a commanding 57-run victory in Sydney. After sweeping the ODI series 3-0, the Aussies carried their momentum into the shortest format. With four consecutive wins, Australia now leads the Ashes points table with eight points, while England are yet to open their account. Beth Mooney was named Player of the Match for her outstanding knock.
Tahlia McGrath captained Australia in this match, as Cricket Australia confirmed before the game that regular skipper Alyssa Healy would sit out due to soreness in her right foot. Star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner was also ruled out with a low-grade calf strain. Georgia Voll was handed her debut cap in the T20I format.
England captain Heather Knight won the toss and opted to field first. Voll started well, scoring 21 off 11 balls before being dismissed. Phoebe Litchfield impressed with reverse sweeps and scoops in her 25 off 20, adding 51 runs with Mooney for the second wicket. Mooney anchored the innings with a solid 75 off 51 balls. Skipper McGrath provided late fireworks, smashing 26 off just nine deliveries, helping Australia post an imposing 198/7 in 20 overs. For England, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell picked up two wickets each, while Freya Kemp and Charlie Dean chipped in with one wicket apiece.
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In response, England had a nightmare start as both openers, Maia Bouchier, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, were dismissed for ducks. Sophia Dunkley fought back with an explosive 59 off 30 balls at a strike rate of 196.66, smashing six fours and four sixes. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalise on their starts, with no significant partnerships forming. England lost their last six wickets for just 31 runs and were bowled out for 141 in 16 overs.
Australia’s spin duo, Alana King, and Georgia Wareham, delivered a stellar performance, taking five wickets for just 39 runs in six overs, sealing the victory for the home side.
Brief Score: Australia-W 198/7 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 75 off 41, Sophie Ecclestone 2/26 in four overs) defeated England-W 141/10 in 20 overs (Sophia Dunkley 59 off 30, Georgia Wareham 3/25 in three overs) by 57 runs.
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