Fans react as Alana King leads Australia to a thrilling win over England in the 2nd ODI | Women’s Ashes 2025
Australia registered a thrilling 21-run victory over England in the 2nd ODI in Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead in the Women’s Ashes 2025 series. Batting first, Australia posted a modest total of 180, thanks to Ellyse Perryis composed of 60 and vital contributions Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy.
of England Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey wreaked havoc, shared seven wickets to restrict the hosts. In response, England faltered despite Amy Jones‘ stiff undefeated 47, ace Alana King he delivered a winning performance with 4/25. King’s all-round brilliance earned her the man of the match award, showing composure under pressure. With this win, Australia maintained their dominance in the series.
Tough Australian batting screen
Electing to bat first, Australia’s innings revolved around a collected batting Ellyse Perrywho scored a crucial 60 off 85 balls. She steadied the ship after early setbacks, forming vital partnerships with Litchfield (28) and Healy (24). Perry’s elegant strokeplay and ability to rotate the strike kept the score on the scoreboard despite England’s disciplined bowling.
England’s bowlers, led by Ecclestone and Capsey, kept the Australian batsmen in check throughout the innings. Ecclestone’s precise line and length produced her impressive figures of 4/34, while Capsey’s effective off-spin netted 3/26. Their combined efforts, aided by sharp fielding, restricted Australia to what appeared to be below the nominal total of 180.
England struggle against the magic of Alan King
In pursuit of a modest target, England struggled to build momentum as Australia’s bowlers took advantage of the conditions. Jones was a lone warrior, fighting bravely with an unbeaten 47 off 72 balls. However, lack of support from the top, including early layoffs Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knighthe left the English pursuit in pieces.
King emerged as the match winner for Australia with a sensational performance of 4/25. Her clever variations and consistent accuracy devastated England’s middle order. King’s wicket of Danny Wyatt Hodgetaken off with a sharp turn, it effectively sealed the game for Australia. Her heroics under pressure highlighted her all-round ability and awareness of the match.
Also WATCH: Alana King takes her 50th ODI wicket after dismissing Danielle Wyatt at Golden Duck | Women’s Ashes 2025
Australia’s bowling attack showed exceptional teamwork, with contributions Kim Garth (3/37) and Megan Schutt (1/27). Their relentless pressure ensured that England never took control, as the visitors they were bowled out for 159 in 48.1 overs. Strategic field positions and a disciplined performance were key in Australia’s defense of a modest total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Amy Jones does not take a single off the last ball of the over and Lauren Bell is hit in the first over of the next.
There are small differences in cricket, but those are things the Ashes can decide. #Ash
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 14, 2025
Once a common thing for men and women in England, they can’t win below. #Ash
— Vikrant Singh (@vikrantsingh_au) January 14, 2025
How the hell did we win that?! God, what a fight – England should have won it 😳 #Ash
— Dani Brown (@itsdanibrown) January 14, 2025
No jones took a single on the last ball…lol are you a fool…of course you got it wrong….fielder runs without looking at the batsman…. definitely fools everywhere #Ash
— Gauti (@Tradergautam) January 14, 2025
A stunning victory for Australia. Absolute chaos. A hell of a game of cricket. Crazy capitulation of England. Totally fun. #Ash
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 14, 2025
Let’s call it what it is @bbctms
That is funny cricket!! Moronic cricket with no brain. Players, management, tactics, etc.
This England women’s national team is lauded but nothing but flat-track bullies against part-time international teams#ASH
— Ru55 Mil50m (@Ru55Mil50m) January 14, 2025
A stunning win for Australia who got off the canvas thanks to Alana King #AUSvENG #Ash
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) January 14, 2025
5️⃣0️⃣ ODI goal for Alan King 👏🏏#women #cricket #AlanaKralj #AUSvENG #Ash #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/92NThgs6ix
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 14, 2025
Alana King finishes with 4/25 from ten overs, her best bowling figures in ODIs.#Ash
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 14, 2025
Australia are one Test win away from retaining the Ashes.
He could lose the next four white-ball games, win the Test and walk away with the Ashes.
Likewise, another win in the ODIs/T20s would see a Test draw see them retain the Ashes. #Ash #AUSvENG
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 14, 2025
I feel for Amy Jones, England’s top scorer, but she was clearly under pressure during that innings because she made so many bad decisions, ran terribly, didn’t have an awareness of the game and didn’t play the way her team needed to.
I hope the experience will be useful to her. #Ash— Wealth Super Fund (@Edtechx) January 14, 2025
Australia lead 4-0 after defending 180 pins and England bowled out for 159. Amy Jones will be annoyed she didn’t get a run off the last ball of the over as Lauren Bell was dismissed first off the next over.
This is going to HURT. They were HARD in it and now they have to dig deep before Game 3
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) January 14, 2025
Unfortunately the Women’s Ashes will be over before the big game at the MCG.. The Aussies are much better.. they haven’t played nearly as well in the first 2 games and are leading 2-0 #Women’s ashes
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 14, 2025
A really good win. Pretty disappointing from England though #Ash
— Ryan (@RyanLDScott) January 14, 2025
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.
