Australia clinches record-seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia has won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for a record-extending seventh time, defeating England by seven wickets in the final at Lord’s on Sunday, July 5. The victory caps an unbeaten campaign for the champion side, which was led by captain Sophie Molineux.

Chasing a target of 151, Australia recovered from the early loss of opener Georgia Voll to secure a comfortable win with 17 balls to spare. The chase was anchored by a decisive 100-run partnership for the second wicket between Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield. Mooney scored 64 runs from 49 deliveries, while Litchfield contributed 48 from 35. England, batting first after Molineux won the toss, posted 150 for four, largely due to captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 58.

Mooney’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award, and she was also named Player of the Tournament. She finished the World Cup with 238 runs at an average of 47.60, including a crucial unbeaten 61 in the semifinal victory over the West Indies. Her innings in the final also set a new global benchmark, making her the first player-male or female-to score three half-centuries in T20 World Cup finals, surpassing the record previously shared by...