Australia made a successful defence of their women's World Twenty 20 title as England came up short in the final.

Set a target of 143 in Colombo, England finished on 138-9 despite the best efforts of skipper Charlotte Edwards (28).

England fell behind the required-rate early and then lost regular wickets, Australia left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen claiming 3-25.

Danielle Hazell's 16 not out almost scripted a late turnaround but, with 16 required from the final over, off-spinner Erin Osborne held her nerve (0-33) to close out a four-run success.

Edwards' decision to bowl first had earlier backfired when Australia openers Meg Lanning (25) and Alyssa Healy (26) got off to a flying start with a 51-run stand off 37 balls.

Number three Jess Cameron built on those foundations with 45 from 34 deliveries, including five fours and a six.

England spinner Holly Colvin picked up 2-21 in her four overs, including the wickets of Lanning and Cameron, before Lisa Sthalekar (23) guided Australia up to 142-4.