Australia's women's cricket team reaffirmed their dominance in the T20 format by securing a record seventh T20 World Cup title, defeating hosts England by seven wickets in the final on Sunday.
The Southern Stars made light work of the 151-run target, polishing off the chase in just 17.1 overs. Skipper Sophie Molineux claimed her maiden ICC trophy as leader, guiding a clinical performance that highlighted Australia's superiority.
Young gun Phoebe Litchfield and veteran Beth Mooney formed the backbone of the chase with a blistering 100-run partnership off only 69 balls. Litchfield smashed 48 off 35 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes, showcasing exceptional hand-eye coordination. Mooney contributed a composed 64 off 49 balls, rotating
the strike efficiently and maintaining her stellar record in ICC finals. Their stand left England's bowlers, coached by Charlotte Edwards, completely outplayed. By the 10-over mark, Australia had surged to 100, reducing the required rate to under a run per ball.
A highlight came when Litchfield executed an audacious reverse slog sweep off Linsey Smith, sending the ball soaring over backward point for six. Mooney then lofted Sophie Ecclestone inside-out over extra cover before reaching her fifty in 38 balls. Notably, this was the first time Mooney was dismissed in a T20 World Cup final, despite her impressive average of 90 in such showpieces.
Earlier, England posted a below-par 150 for 4 after opting to bat first. Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with a gritty 58 not out off 53 balls, while Freya Kemp provided late impetus with 44 not out off 28. Their 80-run fifth-wicket stand rescued England from a precarious position. However, Australia's disciplined bowling attack, missing injured all-rounder Ellyse Perry, kept tight lines and took the pace off the ball. Spinners Sophie Molineux (1/32) and Georgia Wareham (0/9 in 2 overs) were particularly economical, with Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland also restricting scoring.
Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Money
Check out the prize money from the Women's T20 World Cup Final here-
Winners: Australia Women (INR 19.42 crore)
Runners-up: England Women (INR 9.71 crore)
Losing semi-finalist: South Africa Women (INR 5.60 crore)
Losing semi-finalist: West Indies Women (INR 5.60 crore)
Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Award Winners
Check out the award winners here-
Player of the Match (Final): Beth Mooney (Australia Women) - 64 runs in 49 balls (10 x 4s)
Golden Bat (Most Runs): Dani Wyatt-Hodge (England Women) - 302 runs
Golden Ball (Most Wickets): Shree Charani (India Women) - 14 wickets
Player of the Tournament: Beth Mooney (Australia Women) - 241 runs
