Ellyse Perry's half-century propelled Australia to a comfortable five-wicket victory over England in their Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The Australian star scored 64 runs off 44 balls, including nine boundaries, to guide her team to the target of 158 with 10 balls to spare.
England's innings
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England were restricted to 157 for six. They recovered from a precarious 19 for three thanks to a 45-run knock from Alice Capsey off 36 deliveries and a quickfire 41 from Freya Kemp off 27 balls, which included a six and four fours. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning from a calf injury, managed only three runs in her first innings of the summer.
Heather Knight contributed 25 runs as she and Capsey added 73 runs for the fourth wicket. However, after Knight's dismissal, Capsey was leg before wicket to Alana King, leaving England at 98 for five. Kemp and Dani Gibson (27 not out) then shared a 57-run partnership to lift the total.
Australia's chase
Australia's reply was led by opener Beth Mooney, who smashed 43 off 26 balls, including two sixes. Mooney was dropped twice, by Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Gibson, while Perry was also given a reprieve when Lauren Bell spilled a one-handed catch. Perry eventually fell to Bell, caught brilliantly by Gibson at deep midwicket, with just two runs needed for victory.
The Australian innings was characterized by aggressive batting, with Perry and Mooney ensuring the required run rate was never a concern. Australia reached 158 for five with 10 balls to spare, sealing a five-wicket win.
Looking ahead
England will face India in their second warm-up match on Wednesday, also at Sophia Gardens, before opening their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday. Australia will look to carry this momentum into the tournament.
