Australia open ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with win as rain disrupts play

England’s batters impressed but their bowlers were unable to go far in their search for victory over Ireland with the match abandoned due to rain after 3.5 overs of Ireland’s chase.

Nigeria and Samoa have been made to wait longer to make their World Cup debuts after their game in Sarawak was abandoned before the toss due to a wet outfield.

Bray and Larosa take control

Fifteen-year-old Bray announced herself on the global stage as she took three wickets for the loss of just one run, also taking a stunning diving catch in Australia’s nine-wicket win.

Eleanor Larosa had set the tone after Australia chose to bowl, dismissing Pippa Kelly in her first over as she also took three wickets.

Bray claimed the final dismissal as Scotland were bowled out for 48 with Emma Walsingham top scoring with 12.

Australia were not in the mood to hang around as Kate Pelle led the scoring charge, hitting Mollie Parker for three sixes in the first over.

The opening pair were able to restart after a brief rain delay but wobbled as Pelle was dropped on 28 before McKeon was stumped for 12 off the bowling of Nayma Sheikh.

Skipper Lucy Hamilton hit the winning runs after just 6.4 overs to complete a resounding victory for Australia in Kuala Lumpur.

England and Ireland share the spoils

England posted a strong total of 144 but Ireland’s balanced chase was halted after only 23 balls due to rain as the match was abandoned in Johor.

After being put into bat, England opener Davina Perrin set the pace with 26 runs from 19 balls before being run out going for one run too many.

Charlotte Stubbs took on the scoring impetus as she made 31 before becoming the first of Ellie McGee’s two wickets.

England were able to build strong partnerships that pushed them to 144 for seven after 20 overs as top scorer Jemima Spence departed for 37 off the final ball.

In response, Freya Sargent was run out without scoring to continue a difficult day for the all-rounder who struggled with the ball.

Sargent’s fellow opener Alice Walsh was also run out but strong scoring from Rebecca Lowe saw Ireland reach 28 for two from 3.5 overs before the heavens opened and play was abandoned.

(With ICC inputs)