Report: England v Australia, Women's Ashes IT20

In front of a record crowd of 19,572, Australia continued their charge to regaining the Women’s Ashes with a four-wicket win over England in a thrilling contest at Edgbaston.

Australia were cruising at 130-2 in pursuit of 154 but lost three wickets for 10 runs as England fought back at the death. But opener Beth Mooney finished unbeaten on 61 as Australia edged home with just one ball to spare.

The attendance smashed the record for the highest crowd for a standalone women’s international in the UK, outside of global events, beating the 15,187 at Lord’s last summer for the ODI versus India.

Opener Sophia Dunkley made 56 but spinner Jess Jonassen’s three wickets put the brakes on England’s middle order. Debutant Danielle Gibson and Sophie Ecclestone fell in consecutive balls but Jones struck four fours and two sixes in her knock to give England hope.

Lauren Bell struck early to remove opposing skipper Alyssa Healy for five, before Tahlia McGrath’s aggressive 40 and Ash Gardner’s 31 allowed Mooney to expertly anchor Australia’s knock.

Sarah Glenn then took two wickets in two balls, including power-hitter Grace Harris for a first-ball duck, before Bell bowled star all-rounder Ellyse Perry for seven to leave Australia requiring 14 from the final nine balls.

Annabel Sutherland was dismissed by Ecclestone with just one run remaining, sparking hopes of a late twist in England’s favour, before Georgia Wareham scrambled the single from the penultimate ball to silence Edgbaston and dent the hosts’ Ashes hopes even further.

England need nine points to regain the Ashes, so must win all five remaining white-ball games – or win four if one is tied or rained off.