Colombo: The Australian women cricket team produced an impressive performance to edge out their English counterparts by four runs in an exciting final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 here on Sunday.
Put into bat, Australia put up a competitive 142 for four in 20 overs with almost all the players 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.
Needing 16 of the last over, England managed only 11 runs off spinner Erin Osborne’s over.
In a big ground like Premadasa (although boundaries were shortened), chasing a target of 143 was an uphill task.
Although skipper Edwards showed positive intent but once she was dismissed for 28, the other batswomen could hardly make any impact.
Edwards was, however, named the player of the tournament following her consistent good form. She was the tournament’s highest run-scorer. (PTI)
Brief scores:
Australia: 142-4 in 20 overs (Jess Cameron 45; Holly Colvin 2/21).
England: 138-9 in 20 overs (Charlotte Edwards 28; Jess Jonassen 3/25, Lisa Sthalekar 2/16)