Dramatic Comeback Sets World Cup Tone

In a thrilling dress rehearsal for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, England overcame early collapse to defeat defending champions Australia by four wickets at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Match Highlights:

• Australia Innings:

  • Phoebe Litchfield's explosive 71 (48 balls) propelled Australia to 128-3 in 16 overs
  • Sarah Glenn's career-best 5-32 triggered dramatic collapse (128-3 to 167-8)
  • Beth Mooney's late 59* (42) lifted total to 247

• England Chase:

  • Top-order collapse: 32-3 (Beaumont, Jones, Knight dismissed cheaply)
  • Capsey-Dunkley Rescue Act: 82-run partnership (Dunkley 54 off 67)
  • Capsey-Lamb Masterclass: 109-run stand (Lamb 60, Capsey 88*)
  • Victory achieved in 44.3 overs with 21 balls remaining

Tactical Insights:

• England's experimental lineup (resting Sciver-Brunt) tested middle-order depth
• Australia rotated batting order (Mooney at No.9, Perry rested)
• Spinners claimed 8/13 wickets on turning Bengaluru surface

Player Spotlight:

• Alice Capsey (19y 267d):

  • Career-best unbeaten knock under pressure
  • 9 boundaries, 3 sixes at strike rate 103.52

• Sarah Glenn:

  • First five-wicket haul against Australia
  • Dismantled middle-order with googly variations

Tournament Outlook:

• England begin campaign vs South Africa (Oct 3)
• Australia face New Zealand in opener (Sept 30)
• Bengaluru pitch analysis suggests spin dominance in World Cup matches

This victory marks England's first over Australia in warm-ups since 2017, providing crucial psychological boost ahead of the global tournament.