Australia retained the Women’s Ashes with a nail-biting three-run win over England, who came agonizingly close to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s undefeated century. Sciver-Brunt’s 111 runs off 99 balls lifted England from 203-7 to 15 runs from the last over and five off the final delivery. Also, Australia, driven by Jess Jonassen in the last over, retained their composure to win and keep the urn.
Australia wins Ashes by three runs over England
Australia leads the series 8-6 with one match left. Taunton hosts the finale on Tuesday. Georgia Wareham’s 26 runs off Lauren Bell’s penultimate over lifted Australia’s score from 240-7 with three overs left. England’s fielding blunders, particularly Ellyse Perry’s three dropped catches, contributed to their loss. England leveled the series with their highest-ever run chase in the second ODI at Bristol, laying the ground for another record-breaking effort to keep their chances alive.
England started well, with Tammy Beaumont scoring 60 runs in 62 balls. Australia’s spinners took all seven England wickets again. England’s middle order was destroyed by leg-spinner Alana King and off-spinner Ash Gardner’s three wickets each.
Sciver-Brunt’s third unbeaten century in four ODI innings against Australia ended in a single, leaving her disappointed. England can draw the series by winning the last ODI. They were obviously distraught after nearly missing a victory that would have put them back in contention. Australia led the points-based series 6-0 before England’s comeback.
Sciver-Brunt again showed her capacity to save England. In the 2022 World Cup final against Australia, she scored 148 not out to nearly help England win a 356-run chase. In this match, Sciver-Brunt stood between Australia and triumph. England lost again, leaving Sciver-Brunt heartbroken.
Even in defeat, Australia’s spinners dominated the series. However, England assaulted them, disturbing their domination. Gardner’s eight Test wickets set the tone for the spin pair of Alana King and Ash Gardner. Experienced Jess Jonassen finished the game. Phoebe Litchfield’s full-length dive to preserve runs showed Australia’s fielding improvements. Australia’s genius defeated England’s bravery.
