London, 06 July (H.S.):

Australia created history by defeating England by seven wickets in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 to claim a record seventh world title. Chasing a target of 151 runs at Lord's Cricket Ground, Australia reached the target in the 18th over after losing just three wickets.

The victory marked Australia's seventh Women's T20 World Cup triumph, extending its dominance in the tournament. No other team has won the title more than once. England, meanwhile, suffered its fourth defeat in a Women's T20 World Cup final, with all four losses coming against Australia.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, England got off to a poor start, losing both openers Amy Jones (6) and Danni Wyatt (8) with just 32 runs on the board. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey attempted to rebuild the innings with a 35-run partnership for the third wicket. Capsey scored 23 before being dismissed, while Heather Knight managed only two runs.

With England reduced to 70 for four, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Freya Kemp steadied the innings with an unbeaten 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Sciver-Brunt struck 58 off 53 balls, while Kemp remained unbeaten on 44 from 28 deliveries, guiding England to 150 for four in their allotted 20 overs. For Australia, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, captain Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland claimed one wicket each.

In reply, Australia lost Georgia Voll in just the second over. However, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield took control of the chase with a magnificent 100-run partnership for the second wicket, putting the match firmly in Australia's favour. Litchfield scored 48 off 35 balls, while Mooney played a match-winning knock of 64 from 49 deliveries.

With her innings, Mooney became the first batter to score two half-centuries in Women's T20 World Cup finals. Alice Perry remained unbeaten on 13, while Ashleigh Gardner finished on three not out as Australia completed the chase comfortably to secure a record seventh Women's T20 World Cup crown.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar