Australia Hand England First Defeat at Women's Cricket World Cup

Australia secured a commanding six-wicket victory over England in the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at Indore, maintaining their unbeaten streak and reclaiming the top spot on the points table. Despite England's Tammy Beaumont scoring a patient 78 and contributions from Alice Capsey and Charlie Dean, Australia restricted England to 244 for nine, with Annabel Sutherland taking three wickets and Alana King delivering an economical spell. Australia's run chase began poorly, losing early wickets to England's bowlers Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith, but Sutherland (98 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (104 not out) forged a match-winning unbeaten 180-run partnership to guide Australia home comfortably. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt acknowledged her team's shortcomings and praised Australia's decisive partnership, emphasizing that England would learn from the defeat ahead of their remaining group match. Australia’s dominance was highlighted by their bowling control and powerful batting depth, with Gardner accelerating after her half-century to reach a century rapidly, and Sutherland anchoring the innings. Both teams had already secured semi-final berths, but the win solidified Australia's position as group leaders and set up England for a challenging semi-final path.