England Fall to Australia in T20 World Cup Warm-Up

Australia 162-6 (20 overs): Mooney 50 (30); Bell 2-29
England 129 (19.4 overs): Capsey 40 (34); McGrath 3-18
Australia won by 33 runs

England were convincingly beaten by defending champions Australia in their T20 World Cup warm-up match in Dubai. Chasing 163, England started strong but collapsed from 90-2 to 105-8 in five overs, eventually being bowled out for 129 in 19.4 overs, losing by 33 runs.

Alice Capsey top-scored for England with 40 from 34 balls, the only batter to pass 20, as Australia’s bowlers dominated. Tahlia McGrath was the pick of the bowlers with 3-18, while spinner Sophie Molineux took 2-27, dismantling England’s middle order as the run-rate increased.

Australia’s innings was led by opener Beth Mooney, who scored a quick-fire 50 from 30 balls, while McGrath and Ash Gardner contributed with 31 and 21, respectively, to help their team post 162-6. Lauren Bell stood out for England, taking 2-29 in her four overs.

England will look to bounce back in their opening match against Bangladesh on Saturday, 5 October, as the T20 World Cup kicks off.

In other warm-up games, India beat West Indies by 20 runs, while New Zealand thrashed South Africa by eight wickets after bowling them out for 92.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but was relocated to the UAE due to civil unrest in the country.