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. (PTI)