England women make record run chase in final T20 to draw Ashes series with Australia 8-8

Australia retain the Ashes despite the tie

England tied the series 8-8 but Australia retained the trophy (Getty)

England made the highest successful run chase in a Women's T20 International to draw the Ashes series with Australia at 8-8.

Hosts Australia had already retained the Ashes, but the tourists finished on a high after Danni Wyatt hit her side's first T20 century to help England reach their victory target of 179 with four wickets and one over to spare.

Beth Mooney had earlier been similarly impressive in scoring 117 not out from 70 balls to become the second Australian to make a T20 hundred - and only fifth player ever - as the home side made 178 for two at Canberra.

After England had suffered a late wobble, losing captain Heather Knight (51), Wyatt (100) and Katherine Brunt (five) in quick succession from 169 for three, Fran Wilson scooped the winning boundary.

Danni Wyatt hit England's first ever T20 century (Getty)

That earned England a 2-1 victory in the T20 matches, and an 8-8 tie in the multi-format series, although holders Australia retain the Ashes.

Knight was named player of the series, one her team began unconvincingly as they lost the chance to win the Ashes, and she told BT Sport: "I didn't start the T20 series how I wanted, but to finish like that and play second fiddle to Danni was brilliant.

"What a series it's been. Beth Mooney was outstanding. For her to be on the losing side, it shouldn't be that way. It's been a long seven weeks, but to come away and finish like that, we can be proud."

Wyatt was the player of the match after hitting 13 fours and two sixes in her stunning 57-ball knock, and she added: "I've been in the nets for five weeks so I was ready. It's surreal, I still can't believe what happened."