Dunkley's lone hand

While Dunkley's effort was ultimately in a losing cause as England lost the match by 57 runs, it did mark a startling return to form for the top-order batter, and gave England hope of pulling off a record chase.

Dunkley has been in and out of England's T20I side over the last year, and last scored a half-century in 2023. Picked to bat at three at the SCG, she came to the crease during the first over of England's innings after Maia Bouchier holed out to the second ball she faced. England were quickly two down, when Danni Wyatt-Hodge fell for a golden duck off the first ball of the second over.

Joined by Nat Sciver-Brunt at the crease, Dunkley hit consecutive sixes off the fifth and sixth balls she faced, taking 22 runs off Kim Garth's second over. She followed-up with another six in the final over of the powerplay, before picking up back-to-back fours off the last two balls of the eighth to take her to 48 off 22 balls. She reached her half-century two balls later, taking a single off a slower-ball from Annabel Sutherland.

Who holds the fastest women's T20I fifty record for England?

Reaching 50 off 24 balls, Dunkley registered the joint-second fastest half-century ever for England in the format. She is in a four-way tie with Wyatt-Hodge, Sciver-Brunt and Bryony Smith in second place, while Alice Capsey holds the record with a 21-ball knock against Ireland in 2023.

The all-time record is held jointly by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh, who have all reach 50 off 18 balls.

Dunkley was bowled by Tahlia McGrath in the 12th over of England's innings for a 30-ball 59. England were bowled out by Australia in 16 overs for 141, the loss meaning Australia take an unassailable 8-0 lead in the multi-format series, and secure retention of the Ashes at the earliest possible opportunity.

Full list: Fastest half-centuries in women's T20Is

Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.