Retro Yakking

England’s women struck an early Ashes blow today, beating Australia by eight wickets and progressing through the final of the women’s World Twenty20 against New Zealand on Sunday afternoon.

Chasing a total of 164, they looked to be struggling until Beth Morgan and Wisden Player of the Year Claire Taylor came together at 43-2 to put on a third wicket partnership of 122.

Earlier, Australia had got off to a quick start in their innings but were curtailed slightly by the loss of two quick wickets with the score on 78. Nitschke, Poulton, Sthlekar and Rolton made significant contributions as their total of 163, just one short of the tournament’s highest score, looked to be enough.

But, aided by the world’s #1 batter, England reached the Aussie total with three balls remaining.

Ricky Ponting says he isn’t scared, and still claims he could beat the England men’s team single handedly, even if they “do play like women”. Well, judging by their performance today, England’s women would most probably stand a good chance against the Aussie men’s team, so Ricky had better go back to chewing his gum.

Short highlights package of the England innings

• Match scorecard

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