Australia regained the Women’s T20 World Cup title with a commanding seven-wicket victory over hosts England in the final at a packed Lord’s on Sunday.
Chasing 151, Australia reached the target in just 17.1 overs after Beth Mooney’s superb 64 and a match-winning 100-run partnership with Phoebe Litchfield guided them to their seventh T20 World Cup crown.
England had earlier posted 150-4, but the total proved well below par as Australia outclassed the hosts to reclaim the trophy.
Mooney, Litchfield dominate the chase
Australia lost Georgia Voll early when Lauren Bell struck in the second over, but England’s joy was short-lived.
Mooney and Litchfield took complete control, adding 100 runs for the second wicket in only 67 balls. Litchfield made an aggressive 48 off 35 deliveries before falling with Australia needing just 34 more runs.
Mooney continued her outstanding innings, scoring 64 from 49 balls before departing just 11 runs shy of victory.
There was a brief moment of controversy when Sophie Ecclestone appeared to dismiss Ellyse Perry with a sharp catch, only for the TV umpire to overturn the decision. The incident had little impact as Australia sealed victory soon after, with five wides helping them across the finish line.
England fail to build momentum
England struggled for fluency after being asked to bat first.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with an unbeaten 58 from 53 balls, but her innings lacked the attacking tempo she had shown throughout the tournament. Freya Kemp provided a late boost with a brisk 44 not out from 28 deliveries, while Alice Capsey contributed 24.
Amy Jones fell for six in the second over, Danni Wyatt-Hodge managed only eight, and Heather Knight’s dismissal left England at 70-4 after 11 overs.
Despite the late acceleration from Kemp, England finished with only 150-4, a target Australia chased down comfortably.
Australia back on top
Australia completed the tournament unbeaten and claimed their seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title, adding another major trophy to their remarkable record in international cricket.
For England, the defeat ended an encouraging campaign under coach Charlotte Edwards. The hosts reached their first global final since 2022 and showed clear signs of progress, but Australia once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in women’s cricket.
The two sides will renew their rivalry in next year’s Ashes, where England will look to close the gap on the world champions.
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