​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Australia reclaimed the ICC Women's T20 World Cup title with a commanding seven wicket victory over England at a sold out Lord's on Sunday. Chasing 151 for victory, Australia reached 3 for 153 with 17 balls to spare as Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield produced a match defining century partnership. The triumph secured a record extending seventh Women's T20 World Cup title and returned Australia to the top of world cricket after a brief drought in ICC tournaments.

Captain Sophie Molineux lifted her first global trophy as Australia's skipper after a clinical performance that outclassed the hosts in every department.

Mooney and Litchfield dominate the chase

Australia's pursuit began with an early setback when Georgia Voll was dismissed after an aggressive start, but England's hopes quickly disappeared as Mooney and Litchfield took complete control.

The pair shared exactly 100 runs for the second wicket, reaching the milestone from just 66 deliveries. Their partnership effectively ended the contest long before the finish, combining calculated aggression with excellent shot selection.

Mooney once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the greatest players in Women's T20 cricket. The opener struck 64 from 49 balls, anchoring the chase while keeping the required run rate comfortably under control.

Litchfield played with equal confidence, making 48 from 35 deliveries. Her innings featured a spectacular switch hit that became one of the highlights of the final as she attacked England's bowlers from the outset.

Although England eventually dismissed both batters, Australia had already moved within touching distance of victory.

There was brief controversy late in the chase when Sophie Ecclestone believed she had dismissed Ellyse Perry with a catch at mid off. After a lengthy television review, the third umpire ruled there was insufficient evidence that the catch had been taken cleanly, allowing Perry to continue.

Ecclestone reacted with visible frustration, while the Lord's crowd voiced its displeasure at the decision.

Perry remained unbeaten as Australia completed victory when Ecclestone's wide delivery raced to the boundary.

Australia's bowlers set the platform

Australia's disciplined bowling attack ensured England never built the innings required in a World Cup final.

After winning the toss, Molineux chose to field first and immediately saw her bowlers justify the decision.

Lucy Hamilton struck early to claim her first Women's T20 World Cup wicket when Amy Jones edged behind after Georgia Voll completed an excellent low catch.

Australia then removed one of England's biggest threats in unusual fashion. Annabel Sutherland appeared to bowl a wide to Danni Wyatt Hodge, but wicketkeeper Beth Mooney convinced her captain to request a review after hearing an edge. The decision proved correct as Wyatt Hodge was dismissed.

Molineux added another important breakthrough by bowling Alice Capsey after the batter attempted an ambitious reverse sweep.

Kim Garth then trapped former England captain Heather Knight leg before wicket with a clever leg cutter, leaving the hosts struggling at 4 for 70.

England captain Nat Sciver Brunt fought back with an unbeaten 58, while Freya Kemp contributed 44 not out during an unbroken partnership of 80. Their stand lifted England to 4 for 150, but the total was never enough against Australia's powerful batting line up.

Garth finished with 1 for 20 from four overs, while Hamilton claimed 1 for 19 from three overs. Molineux and Sutherland also collected one wicket each.

Australia returns to the summit

The victory ended Australia's brief period without holding either the Women's T20 World Cup or Women's Cricket World Cup.

Player of the Match Beth Mooney produced another outstanding performance in a World Cup final, while Molineux celebrated an unforgettable first ICC tournament as captain.

Litchfield praised the leadership shown throughout the campaign.

"It's gone to plan. We've been playing the way we wanted to play all tournament," she said.

"Internally, we knew we were a bloody good side, and Sophie has done an incredible job, setting us up physically and mentally."

Perry also reflected on another special achievement in her remarkable international career.

"Today has been truly special," Perry said.

"It has been a joy to be a part of this team with Sophie leading in her first World Cup. This has been a privilege of a lifetime."

England falls short on home soil

England entered the final unbeaten and hoping to capture a major global title on home soil, but Australia once again proved too strong.

The defeat means England has now lost all seven white ball World Cup finals against Australia. It also marked the first time England has been beaten in a Women's World Cup final played at home.

The celebrations were slightly delayed after the match as the International Cricket Council scheduled a musical performance before the trophy presentation. By the time Australia lifted the trophy, many spectators had already left Lord's.

Despite that unusual ending, nothing could diminish Australia's latest achievement.

The team combined disciplined bowling, outstanding fielding and fearless batting throughout the tournament, capping the campaign with an emphatic victory that reinforced its status as the benchmark in women's cricket.