England made it two wins out of two in the NatWest Women's Quadrangular Series after another excellent all round display secured a 22 run win over Australia at Bristol today.
Openers Charlotte Edwards (43), and Laura Marsh (28) once again gave England an impressive start with some strong hitting and clever innovation as they put on 59 for the first wicket.
After the run rate dropped once the field spread, England looked to Sarah Taylor (25) at the death to post a competitive total of 136-6.
Yorkshire seamer Katherine Brunt claimed the opening wicket when Shelly Nitschke played on for 10 to leave the tourists 29 for one in the fifth over.
Left-arm spinner Holly Colvin struck with her first ball as Claire Taylor caught Leah Polton at short fine leg for 18.
Australia soon slipped to 46 for three as Colvin’s direct hit ran out Alex Blackwell for one before Marsh trapped Jess Cameron in front for 13.
Lisa Sthalekar was superbly caught by substitute Heather Knight who came on for Anya Shrubsole following a knee ligament injury, as Australia limped to 89 for five in the 13th over.
The run rate increased as Rachael Haynes was run out by Edwards then Danielle Wyatt (3-10) claimed two wickets in the 18th over leaving Australia on 113-9. England secured victory as Wyatt ran out Clea Smith in the 19th over.
Player of the match Sarah Taylor said: “It was a great team performance today. Charlotte (Edwards) and Laura (Marsh) got us off to a great start again and we kept
the momentum up.
“There was a real buzz in the field, the spinners really turned the screw and were backed up by the fielders.
“It’s so good to play in front of a crowd, it really boosts you every ball when there is a cheer, we all enjoyed it today and I’m really enjoying being back in the squad.”
In the other T20 match of the NatWest Women's Quadrangular Series, New Zealand beat India by 25 runs at Clifton College today.
England women will take on India at The County Ground, Taunton tomorrow in their third T20 match of the NatWest Women’s Quadrangular Series and Australia will play New Zealand at Taunton Vale Cricket Club.
Schedule
NatWest Women’s Quadrangular T20
Sunday, June 26
England Women v India Women, County Ground, Somerset 11.10
New Zealand Women v Australia Women, Taunton Vale, Somerset 11.00
Monday, June 27
FINAL, The Rose Bowl, Hampshire 15.10
3rd/4th play off, The Army Cricket Ground, Hampshire 10.45
NatWest Women’s Quadrangular Series 2011
Thursday, June 30
England Women v India Women, County Ground, Derbyshire 14.30
Australia Women v New Zealand, Chesterfield CC, Derbyshire 10.45
Saturday, July 02
England Women v New Zealand Women, County Ground, Derbyshire 10.45
India Women v Australia Women, Chesterfield CC, Derbyshire 10.45
Tuesday, July 05
New Zealand Women v India Women, Southgate CC, London 10.45
England Women v Australia Women Lord's 10.45
Thursday, July 07
England Women v 3/4th or FINAL, Wormsley CC, Buckinghamshire 10.45
3/4th or FINAL, Aston Rowant CC, Buckinghamshire 10.45
