AUS-W vs ENG-W: Alana King Stars As Australia Women Beat England Women By 21 Runs To Gain Valuable 4-Point Lead

Australia Women's National Cricket Team vs England Women's National Cricket Team: In front of a packed Shane Warne stand at the Junction Oval, Alana King delivered a spell for the ages, reminiscent of her legendary idol. Her performance inspired Australia to a remarkable victory over England in the second match of the multi-format Ashes series, defending a meager 181 in an enthralling finish. The win gave Australia a four-point lead after two matches in the series.

Australia, bowled out for 180, defended their lowest-ever Ashes ODI total. King’s spell of 4 for 25 was instrumental, with her magical leg-spin leaving the English batters in tatters. She received ample support from Kim Garth, who took 3 for 37, and Ash Gardner, whose tight spell yielded just 1 for 23 in 10 overs.

"Playing here is special, as I started my professional career at Victoria. With the Shane Warne stand watching over, it was surreal to perform like this and get the win."

England's batters struggled with poor decision-making, despite Australia dropping four catches and enduring chaotic moments like Annabel Sutherland being removed from the attack for waist-high no-balls in the 48th over. England’s innings ended in a meltdown, losing by 21 runs despite Amy Jones’s valiant 47 not out.

Danni Wyatt was bowled by a stunning delivery from King. Nat Sciver-Brunt fell to a leading edge off King, following the poor shot-making trend.

Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone were dismissed in King’s eventful final over, with Ecclestone’s wicket putting her on a hat-trick.

Earlier, Australia had a collapse of their own, losing 8 for 49 to be bowled out in 44.3 overs. Ellyse Perry scored a vital 60, her 38th ODI half-century, before falling to Alice Capsey, who took a career-best 3 for 22. Sophie Ecclestone contributed with 4 for 35, ensuring England restricted Australia after a strong start at 131 for 2.

The spinners dominated the game, claiming 12 wickets in total – a joint record in ODIs played in Australia.