Aus women clinch thrilling 2nd T20I via DLS , win Ashes outright with 2 games to go

 


Australia delivered another well-rounded batting performance to edge out England by six runs (DLS method) in the second T20I in Canberra, thereby sealing the multi-format Ashes series with an unassailable 12-0 lead.

Chasing a challenging 186, England’s hopes were dashed by rain interruptions, with the final stoppage leaving them 18 runs short with only five deliveries remaining. Heather Knight's unbeaten 43 off 19 balls had injected life into the chase, but the weather denied her the chance to finish what could have been a thrilling turnaround.

England, unlike their sluggish start in the first game, began brightly this time. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (52 off 40) anchored a steady 46-run opening stand with Maia Bouchier, though the latter struggled for rhythm. Despite looming rain, England managed to stay marginally ahead of the DLS calculations until Bouchier’s dismissal gave Australia the upper hand. Wyatt-Hodge maintained the momentum, ably supported by Sophia Dunkley (32 off 22), but neither could provide the required acceleration.

The first rain delay came with England at 69/1 in 8.4 overs, slightly ahead on DLS. Play resumed without overs lost, but Australia struck back immediately. Megan Schutt’s impactful second spell saw her dismiss both Wyatt-Hodge and Dunkley, tilting the balance. Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt then forged a crucial 65-run stand to keep England’s hopes alive, but Sciver-Brunt’s inability to find fluency left Knight shouldering most of the burden.

Sciver-Brunt fell at the end of the penultimate over, leaving England 22 runs to chase in the final six balls. Knight struck a boundary off the first delivery, but persistent rain intervened, forcing a frustrating conclusion. Knight’s evident disappointment symbolized England’s continued struggles in this Ashes campaign.

Earlier, England’s bowlers had glimpses of success but failed to capitalize on key moments. Beth Mooney (44 off 31) powered Australia to a strong start in the powerplay. A sharp piece of strategy from Sophie Ecclestone, who had Mooney stumped down the leg-side, triggered a brief resurgence for the visitors. Charlie Dean then made further inroads, dismissing Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield in quick succession, reducing Australia from 66/1 to 75/4.

However, Australia’s depth shone through once again. Tahlia McGrath (48* off 35) and Grace Harris (35* off 17) orchestrated a stunning late recovery. Their unbeaten 71-run stand off just 35 deliveries powered the hosts past 180. Harris, in particular, unleashed a flurry of powerful strikes, punishing England’s fielding lapses and adding vital runs that proved decisive.

While England’s batting effort showed glimpses of fight, the inability to seize pivotal moments, coupled with fielding errors, has been a recurring theme throughout the series. For Australia, it was yet another example of their depth and composure under pressure.


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