Australia Retain Ashes at Earliest Opportunity with Solid Win in First T20I

Match Scorecard – Australia vs England, 1st T20I

The Australian team continued their dominant form from the One Day Internationals, where they secured victories in all three matches, into the T20 series. Playing in Sydney, they set a formidable target after opting to bat first.

Beth Mooney led the charge with an impressive 75 off 51 balls, anchoring the innings at the top of the order. Her efforts were complemented by aggressive cameos from Georgia Voll (21 off 11), Tahlia McGrath (26 off 9), and Grace Harris (14 off 8), propelling Australia to a commanding total of 198/7.

England, despite a shaky start with both openers dismissed for ducks, showed glimpses of a fightback. Sophia Dunkley’s explosive 59 off 30 balls at number three gave England hope at the halfway mark. However, regular fall of wickets thwarted their chase, and they were eventually bowled out for 141 with four overs to spare.

They’re not going anywhere #Ashes pic.twitter.com/quV4hJUrE7

Georgia Wareham was instrumental with the ball, claiming 3/25. However, it was Alana King who made the most significant impact, delivering a spell of 2/14 from her three overs, including the crucial wickets of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight.

Australia’s victories in the ODIs came by margins of four wickets, 21 runs, and 86 runs respectively. With three matches remaining in the series (two T20Is and a Test), they are poised for a potential clean sweep.

The second T20I is scheduled for Thursday in Canberra, followed by the final T20 in Adelaide next Saturday. The series will conclude with a one-off Test in Melbourne, commencing on January 30.