Australia have started the defence of their women’s T20 World Cup title with a strong performance against Sri Lanka.

Australia won by six wickets, while another title contender, England, opened their campaign with a 21-run win over Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka chose to bat first in Sharjah but struggled to 93 for seven, with Nilakshika Silva top scoring with an unbeaten 29.

Australia also struggled for a while with the bat, but thanks to an unbeaten 43 from Beth Mooney, got home with 5.4 overs to spare.

Their next game is against New Zealand on Wednesday with the White Ferns coming off an upset win over India in their opening match.

Pace bowler Megan Schutt, who was player of the match for Australia today, told the ICC they were excited about meeting New Zealand again.

“It’ll be a great match (against New Zealand). We’ve obviously just come off a series against them in Australian conditions so it’ll be an even tougher match up here.”

Schutt took three wickets for 12 runs from her four overs.

Meanwhile in the other group England relied on their four spin bowlers to overcome Bangladesh in a low scoring game.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge top scored with 41 as England set a target of just 119.

Bangladesh finished on 97 for seven with Sohana Mostray making 44.

Tomorrow India play Pakistan and Scotland play West Indies.