The T20I leg of Women’s Ashes 2025 got off to a thrilling start at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, as Australia defeated England by 57 runs in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the series. A dominant performance with both bat and ball ensured the hosts retained the Ashes in style, continuing their impressive record in the multi-format series.
Beth Mooney helps Australia set a challenging target
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, England hoped to restrict Australia to a modest total. However, Beth Mooney anchored the innings with a superb 75 off 51 balls, laced with 11 boundaries. Georgia Voll provided an explosive start with 21 off 11 deliveries, while Tahlia McGrath’s blistering 26 off just 9 balls towards the end propelled the hosts to an imposing 198/7 in 20 overs.
England’s bowlers struggled for consistency, but Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 26 runs in her four overs. Lauren Bell also picked up 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 39 runs.
Also WATCH: Phoebe Litchfield reverse scoops to smash a towering six off Sarah Glenn in 1st T20I- AUS-W vs ENG-W
England collapse under pressure
Chasing 199, England faced a nightmare start, losing both Maia Bouchier and Danielle Wyatt without scoring. Sophia Dunkley led a spirited fightback, smashing 59 off 30 balls, including six fours and four sixes. Natalie Sciver contributed 20 off 12, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to withstand the Australian bowling attack.
Georgia Wareham was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs in her three overs. Alana King was equally effective, picking up 2 for 14. England were bowled out for 141 in just 16 overs, handing Australia a comprehensive victory.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
It’s so easy to spot the people who have not watched Beth Mooney bat. You will see their complaints about her slowing down the innings early on. Then talk about her strike rate and finally shut up when she starts doing her thing. #Ashes
— australian womens cricket with very little context (@awcwvlc) January 20, 2025
#Ashes retained
pic.twitter.com/hHRFc9EXOh
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 20, 2025
AUSTRALIA RETAIN THE ASHES
pic.twitter.com/VHUCeOIoBb
— Sydney Cricket Ground (@scg) January 20, 2025
Australia has retained the women’s Ashes inside nine days.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 20, 2025
https://x.com/WomenCricketHQ/status/1881304434564812949
Australia are highly likely to retain the #Ashes at around 10.45-11pm on a Monday evening.
How utterly anti-climatic— Sam Walker (@samuelsays11) January 20, 2025
Australia have retained the Ashes in no time whatsoever, they really are frighteningly good.#washes
— Sight Screen Cricket Journal (@SightScreenCJ) January 20, 2025
Congratulations Australia / The ASHES are staying at home !
pic.twitter.com/buG8mH8IDU
—
UNITED (@NoJabsForMeFKU) January 20, 2025
ashes retained
pic.twitter.com/cz9xHFyX0U
— Clare Cosy (@ClareCosy) January 20, 2025
Most 50+ scores in Women’s T20Is:
* Smriti Mandhana: 30
* Suzie Bates: 29
* Beth Mooney: 26
* Sophie Devine & Stafanie Taylor: 22 pic.twitter.com/54wwNhPxcM— The sports (@the_sports_x) January 20, 2025
Also READ: AUS-W vs ENG-W: Here’s why Alyssa Healy not playing today’s match of Women’s Ashes 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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