Australia triumphed over England by five wickets in their Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match held in Cardiff, largely due to an impressive half-century by Ellyse Perry. Chasing a target of 158, the Australians reached their goal with 10 balls to spare, finishing at 158 for five. Perry’s stellar performance included scoring 64 runs off 44 balls, marked by nine boundaries. Her efforts were complemented by opener Beth Mooney, who laid a solid foundation with 43 runs from 26 deliveries, ensuring Australia maintained the required run rate throughout the match.
England, after a shaky start at 19 for three, managed to post a total of 157 for six. Alice Capsey was the top scorer for England with 45 runs, while Freya Kemp contributed a swift 41 off 27 balls, helping to stabilize the innings after early challenges. Despite the recovery, the English side struggled to sustain momentum against the disciplined Australian bowling attack.
Returning from injury, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt had a brief stint at the crease, scoring just three runs. Australia’s bowlers capitalized on this, applying constant pressure despite England’s mid-innings rally. The English team also faced setbacks in the field, with several dropped catches allowing Australia’s batters to gain the upper hand and conclude the chase with relative ease.
This match served as a crucial preparatory outing for both teams ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. For England, it highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in fielding, as they continue their warm-up matches before the tournament officially kicks off.