Cricket: Nat Sciver stars as England's women cruise to T20 victory over Australia

Half-centuries from Natalie Sciver and Tammy Beaumont in Mumbai guided England to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Australia in the women’s T20 Tri-Series in Mumbai.

After winning the toss and opting to field, England restricted Australia to 149 for eight, despite the hosts’ stand-in captain Rachael Haynes top-scoring with 65, as Jenny Gunn plundered three wickets. Sciver took two and Danielle Hazell one.

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In reply, England’s new-look opening partnership of Bryony Smith, winning her first cap, and Danni Wyatt stumbled, with Smith falling for one when a ricochet off her own foot ended in a bizarre stumping.

But after Wyatt was dismissed for a quick-fire 18 to leave England 34 for two, Sciver and Beaumont took control in an unbeaten century partnership. Sciver amassed 68, including 12 boundaries, and Beaumont also finished unbeaten as she struck eight fours in her innings of 58 at the Brabourne Stadium. England reached their target with three overs to spare.

England will face India on Sunday in the second match of the series before taking on Australia the day after.