Rachael Haynes starred with an unbeaten 130 runs as Australia finished their innings on 310 for 3.

Chasing the target, defending champions England produced a superb start to their batting reply led by opener Tammy Beaumont before leg-spinner Alana King swung the momentum back Australia’s way.

Nat Sciver then steadied the ship for England with her century but the target proved too much in the end.

Earlier, Australia started slowly as Alyssa Healy was dismissed on 28 after sending a shot straight into the hands of Katherine Brunt.

But a formidable partnership from captain Meg Lanning and Haynes ensured that Australia were on course for setting a strong target.

Lanning finally departed after scoring 86 runs from 110 balls when she found Tammy Beaumont at point as Australia were reduced to 231 for 2 with seven overs remaining.

Haynes’ century came soon after, before she too departed for 130 from 131 balls as she produced a rare, mistimed shot and sent the ball to Danni Wyatt in the deep.

Beth Mooney and new batter Ellyse Perry closed out the innings with four fours from seven balls to take Australia to an imposing final total.

England got off to the worst possible start in reply as opener Lauren Winfield-Hill was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.

Despite having to wait for 23 balls for the first boundary, captain Heather Knight and Beaumont gave England a much-needed push.

Knight finally fell for 40, caught by Lanning at cover, as England slipped to 92 for two.

Alana King paid the best-possible tribute to Shane Warne as a turning delivery bewitched Beaumont only for Healy to whip off the bails.

Amy Jones was King’s next target before Danni Wyatt was bowled by Tahlia McGrath to leave England at 177 for 5.

While Sciver tried to rescue England out of trouble along with partner Sophia Dunkley, King bowled Dunkley for 28.

Sciver then got her century to give England hope of completing a successful chase.

With 17 to win from the final over, Jess Jonassen produced a remarkable caught and bowled to dismiss Brunt and seal the match for Australia.

Earlier West Indies began the tournament with a three-run win over hosts New Zealand before South Africa avoided an upset as they defeated Bangladesh by 32 runs.

India are due to take on rivals Pakistan in the fourth game of the tournament tomorrow.