England is chasing a 186-run target for victory in the second women’s Ashes T20 against Australia following an improved effort in the field at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Thursday evening.
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The hosts posted 5-185 in the nation’s capital courtesy of late cameos from captain Tahlia McGrath (48* from 35 balls) and pinch-hitter Grace Harris (35* from 17 balls), with the duo combining for a rapid 71-run partnership.
Beth Mooney cracked a stylish 44 after England captain Heather Knight won the toss and chose to bowl first, while opening partner Georgia Voll was run out for 5 after attempting an ambitious third run.
Spinners Charlie Dean (2-28 from four overs) and Sophie Ecclestone (1-33 from four overs) ripped through the middle order after the drinks break, with Australia losing 3-9 in 14 deliveries to hand England the ascendancy.
However, McGrath and Harris, who was playing her 50th T20I, launched into a game-changing counterpunch during the death overs to steer Australia towards the nation’s second-highest total at Manuka Oval.
Meanwhile, England were once again guilty of misdemeanours in the field, with Freya Kemp and Dean each dropping chances, while seamer Lauren Bell briefly left the field after suffering dizziness.
Australia is eyeing a historic women’s Ashes series whitewash over England after winning the opening four matches of their multi-format series.
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