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England overcame a slow start to post a competitive 4-156 against Australia at Manuka Oval before prevailing in a Super Over.

England sledged Australia's ability to cope with the pressure of hosting the women's Twenty20 World Cup and then backed it up with a Super Over win on Saturday.

Heather Knight was behind the taunt and the England captain then blasted her side to victory in the second match of the tri-series, also involving India, at Manuka Oval.

Bushfire smoke lingered in the distance as water bombers passed overhead throughout the game, battling blazes threatening Canberra's southern edge.

The temperature sat above 40 degrees all match and it was Knight who conquered the blistering conditions smashing 78 runs off 45 balls.

Australia mounted a comeback hitting 22 runs off the final two overs to reach England's 4-156 and force the Super Over but the visitors chased eight runs in four balls.

"What game of cricket and credit to Australia for taking it to a Super Over because with three over to go I thought we had it in the bank," Knight said.

"We didn't get off to a great start. We went into our shells a little bit. That partnership really put the pressure back on the Aussies and that's what we want to do.

"We took the game on and got some momentum towards the end."

Australia bowled after winning the toss and dominated early, allowing just 29 runs off the power play - the first six overs - but Knight and Fran Wilson (39 not out) responded with a 115-run partnership.

Australian opener Beth Mooney (65 off 45 balls) was sublime before a middle-order collapse put England in control thanks to Sarah Glenn (3-28).

But debutant Annabel Sutherland (22) led the fightback alongside Delissa Kimmince (15) and both finished unbeaten in drawing level.

Left-arm offspinner Sophie Ecclestone bowled a superb Super Over, keeping Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner to just eight runs.

Ellyse Perry bowled for Australia but Knight and Danni Wyatt got there easily.

"We let them get a few too many runs. It was 120 off the last 10 or something ridiculous but on a Manuka batting wicket I thought we had it under control," Mooney said.

"We lost a few wickets but (Sutherland) did an exceptional job on debut, she got us back into a game we probably didn't deserve to win.

"You'd rather lose now than in six weeks time in a World Cup semi-final."

England lost the series opener on Friday to India who Australia face on Sunday.