England and Australia, both unbeaten in the tournament, will clash in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Lord's on Sunday, July 5. England beat South Africa by 40 runs while Australia crushed West Indies to reach cricket biggest women's showdown.
 |
| England players celebrate their semi final win over South Africa at The Oval. |
The stage is set for a mouth watering finale to the tenth edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Host nation England will take on six time champions Australia in the final at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground in London this Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Both teams have gone through the entire tournament without tasting defeat, setting up what promises to be one of the most closely fought finals in the competition history. The two sides are set to meet at Lord's, with both teams remaining undefeated throughout their campaigns.
How Each Team Reached the Final
Australia Overpower West Indies in Semi Final One
The first semi final was played at The Oval, where Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. West Indies Women could only muster 125 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs, with the middle order struggling to build any momentum after a steady but slow start from the openers.
Chasing a modest target, Australia bowling attack had already done the heavy lifting. In response, the batting unit made light work of the target, sealing their place in the final with a dominant victory that carried them through to the summit clash. Australia wrapped up the chase comfortably inside 13 overs, losing only two wickets along the way.
England Outclass South Africa in Semi Final Two
The second semi final, also held at The Oval, saw South Africa win the toss and elect to field first. It proved to be a decision they would come to regret. England, with Nat Sciver Brunt returning from a calf injury, rallied from a shaky start to post 169 for 5, while South Africa later crumbled to 129 for 8 despite a defiant half century from Tazmin Brits.
England innings was built around a crucial partnership between captain Heather Knight and the returning Sciver Brunt. The pair added 133 runs for the third wicket, the highest partnership recorded in the knockout stage of this tournament, after England had lost early wickets cheaply. Sciver Brunt finished with 75 off 47 balls, while Knight contributed a well paced 58.
In reply, South Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave their side a solid platform, but once the early partnership was broken, the required run rate crept up and wickets fell steadily. England disciplined bowling, led by spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean, ensured the hosts closed out a comfortable 40 run win to march into the final.
Final Match Details
The final will be played at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 5, with the match starting at 3:30 pm local time. That translates to 1:30 am AEST on Monday in Australia and 8:00 pm IST in India.
This will not be the first time these two cricketing giants have met in a World Cup final. England and Australia have previously contested the title decider three times before, in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
What's at Stake
For England, a win would be historic. The hosts are chasing their second Women's T20 World Cup title, having won the inaugural edition back in 2009 also played at Lord's. A victory would make them only the second nation ever to win the title more than once.
Australia, meanwhile, arrive as the most successful team in the tournament history. The Australians have already lifted the trophy six times, in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023, and a seventh title would further cement their dominance in the format.
There also a symbolic weight to England home record. The hosts have never lost a women's World Cup match, in either the T20 or ODI format, on home soil, making Sunday final as much about legacy as silverware.
Key Players to Watch
Nat Sciver Brunt (England)
Returning from injury to play a match defining innings in the semi final, she is in career best form and will be central to England hopes with both bat and composure under pressure.
Ellyse Perry (Australia)
Australia leading run scorer this tournament with 185 runs at an average of over 46 and a strike rate above 135, though she is managing a minor injury heading into the final.
Sophie Molineux (Australia)
Australia captain has also been their most effective bowler, picking up 10 wickets across six matches at an economy rate of 6.50.
Sophie Ecclestone (England)
England spin spearhead has been vital in the middle overs throughout the tournament, and her control could prove decisive on a Lord's surface that often assists slower bowlers.
Head to Head Record
The overall rivalry between the two sides is remarkably even outside of World Cup finals. Across all T20 Internationals, England have won 20 matches to Australia 22, with two ties and one no result. Within the Women's T20 World Cup specifically, Australia hold the edge with four wins to England two, along with one tie.
Where to Watch
Fans in the UK can follow the final live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix via the Sky Sports app. In Australia, the match will stream on Prime Video, with no free to air broadcast available. Viewers in India can watch on JioHotstar, with television coverage across the Star Sports network including regional language feeds.
Final Word
With both finalists unbeaten, in form, and carrying deep batting and bowling lineups, Sunday final at Lord's has all the makings of a classic. England will lean on home advantage and their unblemished record on English soil, while Australia will trust in their vast experience of winning World Cup finals. Either way, women's cricket is set for a fitting climax to a tournament that has already delivered record breaking totals and dramatic finishes.