First T20I between ENG-W and AUS-W: Australia defeated England in a nail-biting final over

Australia won the opening T20 of the series on Saturday by a margin of four wickets, solidifying its hold on the multi-format women’s Ashes.

In need of 154 runs to win, the global T20 champions at Edgbaston were guided home with one ball remaining by Beth Mooney’s 61 unbeaten.

Due to two points for a victory in the last two T20 games and three one-day internationals, the visitors currently have a 6-0 series lead with just 10 games remaining after winning the only Test match of the series.

Alyssa Healy, the captain of Australia, won the toss and decided to field first even though she had two shattered fingers.

The England innings was led by Sophia Dunkley, who scored 56 runs off of 49 balls, although wickets were often lost at the other end.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, and Alice Capsey all left for single figures.

However, England was able to score 153 thanks to a middle order comeback from the skipper Heather Knight (29) and Amy Jones, who was 40 not out.

Healy was struck by the bowling of Lauren Bell early in the game, but England lost the match thanks to Tahlia McGrath’s quick 40.

With the ball, Ashleigh Gardner gave the visitors the Test victory and helped Australia go close to the finish line with 31 off 23 balls.

Gardner and Grace Harris were eliminated by Sarah Glenn after she took two wickets in two balls.

However, Mooney continued to bat and scored nine fours in her 47-ball innings to secure the win.

To win back the Ashes for the first time since 2014, England will likely need to win all five of the series’ remaining games.