Colombo, Oct 7: Australian women today became the first team to retain the World Twenty20 title after edging out their English counterparts by a narrow four runs in a thrilling summit clash here today.
Put into bat, Australia put up a competitive 142 for four in 20 overs with almost all the batswoman getting runs. Jess Cameron with 45 was the top scorer but openers Meg Lanning (25), Alyssa Healey (26) and Lisa Sthalekar (23 not out) all chipped in with useful contributions.
In reply, England could manage 138 for nine as Australian bowlers got wickets at regular intervals.
The Australians thus became the first team—male or female—to retain the ICC World Twenty20 trophy.
Needing 16 of the last over, England managed only 11 runs off spinner Erin Osborne's over. England needed an over boundary of the last delivery but could manage a single as girls in canary yellow celebrated enthusiastically.
In a big ground like Premadasa (although boundaries were shortened), chasing a target of 143 is an uphill task in women's cricket.
Although skipper Edwards showed positive intent but once she was dismissed for 28, the other batswomen could hardly make any impact.
They did get the boundaries but couldn't stay long enough to get a decisive result in their favour.
Australia had not exhibited any decisive individual performances until today but peaked at the right time.
They got off to an excellent start as openers Lanning and Healy put on a devastating opening partnership of 51, scoring at a run a ball until the former was caught and bowled by Holly Colvin for 25.
