Australia women's cricket team clinched their sixth T20 World Cup title by defeating England by seven wickets in the final on July 5, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Beth Mooney anchored the chase with an unbeaten 78 off 52 balls, guiding Australia to 148 for 3 in 18.4 overs after England posted 145 for 5.
England's innings
England won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings never gained full momentum. Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge top-scored with 45 off 37 balls, while captain Heather Knight contributed 32 off 28. However, regular wickets kept England in check. Spinner Ashleigh Gardner took 2 for 28 in her four overs, including the key wicket of Wyatt-Hodge. Australia's fielding was sharp, with two run-outs disrupting England's plans. At one stage, England were 92 for 3 in the 14th over, but a late surge of 53 runs in the last six overs, including 15 from Sophie Ecclestone, lifted them to a competitive total.
Australia's chase
Australia's reply began steadily, with openers Alyssa Healy and Mooney adding 42 for the first wicket. Healy fell for 22, caught behind off Sarah Glenn. Mooney then took charge, rotating strike and finding boundaries. She brought up her fifty off 40 balls, her fourth in T20 World Cup finals. Captain Meg Lanning chipped in with a quick 25 off 18 before falling to Ecclestone. But Mooney remained unflappable, hitting 11 fours and a six. She sealed the win with a boundary off Nat Sciver-Brunt, sparking celebrations at the MCG.
Key moments
Gardner's spell in the middle overs was crucial, as she removed both Wyatt-Hodge and Knight in quick succession. England's total of 145 was below par on a good batting pitch, and Australia's chase was never in doubt after Mooney settled in. The win marked Australia's third consecutive T20 World Cup title, cementing their dominance in women's cricket.
According to captain Meg Lanning, "Beth Mooney is just a big-game player. She's done it for us time and again, and today was no different." England captain Heather Knight acknowledged Australia's superiority, saying, "We knew we needed a big total to put them under pressure, but they bowled and fielded really well."
