Australia took a dominant grip of the multi-format women’s Ashes with a four-wicket victory in the first T20 match of the series. Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 61 not out steered the world T20 champions home with one ball to spare at Edgbaston. After winning the sole Test match of the series, the visitors now lead 6-0 on points with just 10 left to play for. Australia captain Alyssa Healy, despite managing two fractured fingers, won the toss and elected to field first. Sophia Dunkley anchored the England innings with her 56 off 49 balls, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. England managed to post 153 runs with contributions from captain Heather Knight (29) and Amy Jones (40 not out). Lauren Bell dismissed Healy early, but a quick 40 from Tahlia McGrath took the game away from England. Ashleigh Gardner and Grace Harris got Australia close to the finishing line, but Sarah Glenn’s two wickets in two balls removed them. Beth Mooney remained unbeaten throughout and hit nine fours in her innings to secure victory for Australia. England will need to win all five remaining matches in the series to reclaim the Ashes, which they last won in 2014.
