England has kept the women’s Ashes series alive by claiming a thrilling three run victory over Australia in the second T20 at The Oval on Thursday (AEST).
Australia superstar Ellyse Perry (51 not out) hit sixes off the last two balls of the run chase to bring up a rapid half century but it was the home side high fiving in front of a bumper crowd of 20,328 in London.
Victory would have ensured Australia retained the Ashes but England still have hope heading into the third and final T20 on Sunday (AEST).
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“I’m not sure we were great in all three facets so to get three runs shy was a good effort,” Australia captain Alyssa Healy said.
“We bowled a heap of extras and let ourselves down in the chase. We’re allowed to lose games of cricket. We didn’t execute as we would have liked.
“The wicket was outstanding, a beautiful batting wicket. Our pacers did an amazing job. To have 20-odd thousand people watching is super special.”
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Second T20 Highlights
Healy won the toss and elected to bowl but the tourists were soon chasing leather as England posted 9-186 — a T20 record for them against Australia.
Opening bat Danni Wyatt set the tone with 76 from 46 balls to earn player of the match honours for her innovative innings.
“Danni managed to get balls from outside leg through point,” England skipper Heather Knight said.
“Her maturity and experience came to fruition. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves for being a really smart cricketer.”
Australia’s run chase looked dead and buried at 5-96 but Perry’s knock kept them in the hunt and set up a tense finish.
Australia are still red-hot favourites to retain the Ashes as they hold an overall 6-2 points advantage with three ODIs to follow the final T20. One more win in the mixed-format series will ensure they retain the trophy.
The loss was only Australia’s second in their last 25 T20 matches.
“What a game. Packed house at The Oval. I took a look around at the end and soaked it up. We got over that bogey of getting the win,” Knight said.
“One game at a time. The equation is very simple.”
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