Women’s Ashes: Third T20, Lord’s
Australia 156-7 (20 overs): Perry posts 34 (25); Sciver-Brunt takes 2-31
England 121-5 (13.2 overs): Capsey shines with 46 (23); Schutt captures 2-35
England triumph by five wickets (DLS); Australia still lead points-based series 6-4
Scorecard.
In the rain-impacted third T20 of the multi-format Ashes at Lord’s, England overpowered Australia by five wickets, dealing the world champions their first series defeat since 2017.
This victory reduces Australia’s lead in the overall points-based Ashes series to 6-4, with three one-day internationals, each worth two points, yet to be played.
In 14 overs, England was set a revised target of 119 and accomplished it with four balls to spare, mainly thanks to Alice Capsey’s blistering 46 off 23 balls.
Although they experienced a last-minute stumble when they lost Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight with only two runs needed, Danielle Gibson confidently reverse-swept her first ball for four.
This match also marked a record attendance for a women’s bilateral fixture in England, with Lord’s hosting a crowd of 21,610.
Earlier, before the rain caused a delay in the start of England’s innings, Australia concluded their 20 overs with 156-7.
On a sluggish pitch, Australia’s batters struggled to find momentum, managing only 98-4 after 14 overs. However, 34 from Ellyse Perry and Grace Harris’ 25 nudged the visitors towards a competitive total.
Despite missing several opportunities in the field, including dropping five catches, England still managed to claim victory. Particularly notable were the two missed catches in the final over, which arguably gave Australia a boost at the halfway mark.
Unperturbed by the rain delay and the challenging revised target on a slow, wet pitch, England’s opening batter, Danni Wyatt, launched a rapid start with six fours in her 26. This was followed by Capsey’s powerful performance which included four fours and two sixes, lighting up the crowd at Lord’s.
Sciver-Brunt, the 18-year-old all-rounder, added a steady 25 runs, looking visibly upset when she was caught off seamer Megan Schutt.
The one-day international series will commence at Bristol on Wednesday, 12 July at 13:00 BST.
Before this game, Capsey was under scrutiny, having scored only 17 runs in her previous five T20 innings.
However, her remarkable performance highlighted the fact that Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket is not unshakeable. She was merely 12 years old when they last suffered a series defeat.
England’s target of 119 in 14 overs required them to start aggressively, which seemed to suit Capsey. She played with fearless intent, heaving the world’s top bowlers over the ropes, particularly relishing Jess Jonassen’s left-arm spin. Her powerful boundaries were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Capsey was well-supported by the steady Sciver-Brunt, although her dismissal in the 13th over triggered a brief moment of anxiety, as Australia’s potential comeback is always a possibility given their strong squad.
However, Gibson’s match-winning boundary through a reverse-sweep, symbolized England’s assertive intent and desire to attack.
Since their defeat in the first T20 at Edgbaston, England have had to win every game, but they have thrived under the pressure. For the first time in six years, Australia are facing a true challenge.
Comments after the match:
Test Match Special commentator Henry Moeran: “This could be a sign of changing dynamics at the top of the women’s game. Australia, while still undoubtedly the best team, are no longer invincible.”
Ex-Australia batter Alex Blackwell: “Australia will be shocked by consecutive losses. This is something they haven’t experienced in a long time. They simply couldn’t post a sufficient total. The pitch was a bit slower, and they failed to adapt effectively. The rain may have worked in England’s favor, but what a remarkable performance, especially from Alice Capsey. Her knock was truly entertaining.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Ashes T20 Victory
How did England fare against Australia in the Women’s Ashes T20 match?
England emerged victorious against Australia in the rain-affected third T20 match of the Women’s Ashes series. They won by five wickets, narrowing the series points gap to 6-4.
What was the standout performance in the match?
Alice Capsey showcased a remarkable performance, scoring 46 runs off just 23 balls. Her aggressive batting played a crucial role in England’s victory.
Did the rain affect the match?
Yes, the match was affected by rain, resulting in a delay in the start of England’s innings. However, a revised target was set for England, and they successfully chased it down with four balls remaining.
How did Australia perform in their innings?
Australia posted a total of 156-7 in their 20 overs. Ellyse Perry top-scored with 34 runs, while Grace Harris contributed 25 runs. However, their batters struggled to gain momentum on a slow pitch.
What is the overall series score now?
With England’s win in the third T20, the series points now stand at 6-4 in favor of Australia. The Ashes series comprises multiple formats, and there are still three one-day internationals to be played, each worth two points.
More about Women’s Ashes T20 Victory
- BBC Sport – Women’s Ashes: England beat Australia by five wickets at Lord’s
- ESPN Cricinfo – Match report: England Women vs. Australia Women, 3rd T20I
- The Guardian – England Women beat Australia in T20 leg of Ashes to relive thrilling match
- Cricket Australia – Women’s Ashes
5 comments
can’t wait for the one-day internationals. it’s gonna be a tough fight between england and australia. hoping for some thrilling cricket!
rain played spoilsport but england still managed to pull off a win. danielle gibson’s reverse-swept boundary was the highlight of the match. go england!
wow england totally destroyed australia in the ashes t20. they won by 5 wickets and brought down the points difference to 6-4. amazing match!
alice capsey was on fire in the match! she scored an incredble 46 of just 23 balls. such fearless batting! england are back in the game.
i can’t believe australia lost this one. we haven’t lost a series since 2017. our batting was slow and we didn’t adjust to the pitch. gotta bounce back in the one-day internationals!