Australia secure Ashes victory in tense rain-affected T20 match
Australia have won the Ashes outright following a narrow victory in the second T20 in Canberra, which concluded under controversial circumstances due to rain interruptions. The hosts triumphed by just six runs using the DLS method, now leading the series 10-0 and keeping the possibility of a whitewash alive.
England’s captain, Heather Knight, was visibly frustrated as the game concluded with her team needing an improbable 18 runs to win, while she stood unbeaten on 43. The players were pulled off the field with just five balls left, leading to Knight’s disagreements with the umpires before she reluctantly exited.
Earlier in the match, rain disrupted England’s chase, forcing them off the field while they were two runs ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Nevertheless, after the delay, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley sought to apply pressure on the Australian bowlers, with Wyatt-Hodge eventually scoring her half-century before being caught out.
Australia had stumbled to 114 for five before a crucial partnership of 71 runs off just 35 balls between Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris enabled them to set a target of 185. Despite recent criticisms, Sophie Ecclestone's poor final over contributed to a high score for the Australians.
The match saw Australia without their captain Alyssa Healy due to injury, and the team had to adapt accordingly. Despite England's efforts, lapses in fielding allowed Australia to build upon their score and ultimately secure a hard-fought win.
