Beaumont hits 41 in England Women’s Academy T20 defeat

England Women’s Academy failed to build on a strong opening stand as they fell to a six-wicket defeat to Australia Women Shooting Stars in their opening Twenty20 in Dubai.

Georgia Elwiss admitted England fell “20 or 30 runs short of what we could have managed” after the 23-year-old right-hander shared an 83-run stand with Kent's Tammy Beaumont in good time.

Elwiss’ departure for 43 in the 11th over prompted a slowing of the scoring rate which was not helped when Beaumont, who hit 41, also fell soon after.

A defendable 130 for seven was still posted, however, Australia were able to chase down the target with six balls in hand.

“We have to be critical and admit to ourselves that we need someone to bat through the innings,” Elwiss told ecb.co.uk.

“Tammy and I looked quite good while we were out there and we were in control.

“Unfortunately after we were out the wickets came in clusters and in the end we were 20 or 30 runs short of what we could have managed.”

The Shooting Stars’ response also relied on a solid opening partnership of 68 between Delissa Kimmince and Elyse Villani.

Beaumont offered hope when she stumped Kimminice, for 40, off Alex Hartley before Jodie Dibble had Villani caught for 45.

But Beth Mooney steered Australia home with an unbeaten 42 from 32 balls to leave England needing to win Sunday’s final Twenty20 to level the two-match series.

“The good thing is there is a quick turnaround,” Elwiss said.

“We didn’t know what a good score was on that wicket and we’ll look to try and push for a score 160 if we bat first tomorrow.

“There are five or six of us in this team that have England caps and we know that we need to stand up in these games.”

England drew the four-match one-day international series 2-2 with a dramatic three-run win over the Shooting Stars on Wednesday.