Australia warmed up for the defence of their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup crown with a 33-run victory over England. Beth Mooney grabbed a half-century as Australia came out on top in Dubai, a good sign as they look to make it four consecutive titles in this tournament.

Having been put into bat, the Australians made 162-6 from their 20 overs with Beth Mooney giving them the perfect start. She needed just 30 balls to crack a half-century, helping set the platform despite Alyssa Healy (12) and Ellyse Perry (7) not firing.

A partnership of 50 with Ashleigh Gardner (21) was broken by Charlie Dean (1-16) but Tahlia McGrath (31) and Georgia Wareham (18no) both scored quickly to push Australia to a more than competitive total.

Lauren Bell was the pick of the England bowlers, taking 2-29, including Healy early.

England showed plenty of intent in their chase, Maia Bouchier hitting a quickfire 17 before she was the first to depart, caught behind off Darcie Brown. That brought Alice Capsey to the crease, and she impressed on her way to 40 from just 34 balls.

She did not get a huge amount of support however, with wickets falling at regular intervals, McGrath grabbing three of them including the all-important Nat Sciver-Brunt on her way to figures of 3-18.

The tournament starts on Thursday when Scotland take on Bangladesh. Australia’s opening match is against Sri Lanka in Sharjah on 5 October.