Alana King has rescued Australia in the second game of the women's Ashes, taking four wickets to help secure a 21-run win over England.
After being bowled out for 180 – their worst ODI total in 15 years – due to a poor batting collapse, the hosts were left in a tricky spot at Junction Oval on Tuesday.
The tourists got off to a slow start but looked to be in a commanding position as Nat Sciver-Brunt (35) found her mojo in the middle-order.
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But in similar fashion to the Aussies in their first innings, wickets began to fall in quick succession and it was King who reaped the rewards, finishing with 4-25 from 10 overs.
The spin-friendly pitch in Melbourne worked wonders for the 29-year-old, who is one of Australia's most important players in the multi-format series.
Alana King celebrates with Australian teammates. Â Getty
King was well-supported by seamer Kim Garth (3-37 off 10), while classy all-rounder Ash Gardner also chimed in with 1-19 from her eight overs.
Amy Jones (47*) gave England some late hope with a resilient knock, taking the contest to the final two overs where the visitors needed 22 runs to cause an upset.
The keeper eventually ran out of partners when Megan Schutt took the final wicket.
The victory showed the gap between the two sides
"Unfortunately the women's Ashes is going to be done before the big game at the MCG," English great Michael Vaughan said via X.
"The Aussies are just so much better .. they haven't played anywhere near in the first 2 games and are 2-0 up."
King was awarded Player of the Match honours for her crucial spell and spoke to Fox Cricket post-game about extending the lead.
"Stoked to get the win – can't get a much better result than that," she said.
"I'm just stoked that the ball is coming out really well. I'm glad I can contribute to the green and gold that's for sure. We saw there was enough in it when England bowled.
"We'll fight to the very last ball no matter what."Â
