Australia women retain Ashes Urn after defending 205 in 1st ODI vs England in Canberra

Women's Ashes: Australia retained the Urn after taking an unbeatable lead in the multi-format series following their 27-run win in the 1st ODI. Beth Mooney stole the show with a solid to help Australia post 205.

Australia women on Thursday retained the Ashes Urn after taking an unbeatable lead in the multi-format series. The hosts won the first ODI in Canberra by defending just 205 runs to script the memorable Ashes triumph.

Australia won the first T20I of a 3-match series last month before the final two matches were abandoned due to wet weather in Adelaide. Australia held on to draw in the only Test of the Ashes series despite a brave effort from England on a thrilling final day in Canberra.

With the win in the first ODI, Australia have taken an unbeatable 8-4 lead in the Ashes series. England have a chance to level the series but the Ashes Urn will remain in Australia.

Facing a must-win situation, England women won the toss on Thursday and opted to bowl in the 1st ODI. They were spot on with the new ball as Australia were reduced to 67/4 after they lost opener Rachael Haynes and all-rounder Ellyse Perry cheaply.

However, Beth Mooney led their recovery, scoring a 73 from 91 balls to push Australia to 205 for 9 at the end of 50 overs. There were useful contributions from Alyssa Healy (27) and captain Meg Lanning (28) and all-rounder Tahila MccGrath (29) but Mooney stood like a rock to avoid a collapse.

Beth Mooney is Player of the Match for her excellent half-century that ensured Australia had a target they could defend #Ashes pic.twitter.com/lRhEhfYrkI

Mooney hit a six and 8 boundaries in his stroke-filled 73 that proved decisive in the end.