67 Balls, 100 Runs: Mooney and Litchfield’s stand seals World Cup Final at Lord's

LONDON: Australia clinched the Women's T20 World Cup title after defeating hosts England by seven wickets in a commanding final at Lord's on Sunday. Chasing a target of 151, the Sophie Molineux-led side cruised to victory in 17.1 overs, losing just three wickets to cap off a dominant campaign.

Australia's successful run chase was built around an outstanding partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield. After opener Georgia Voll fell early for 9 off six balls, Mooney and Litchfield seized control of the contest with a blistering 100-run stand off just 67 deliveries for the second wicket.

Mooney led the charge with a superb 64 off 49 balls, while Litchfield narrowly missed out on a half-century, scoring 48 from 35 deliveries. Although both batters departed before the finish, Ellyse Perry (13 not out off 12 balls) and Ashleigh Gardner (3 not out off two balls) calmly guided Australia home with 17 balls to spare.

Earlier, England, who opted to bat first, posted 150/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The hosts endured a shaky start as openers Amy Jones (6 off 6 balls) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (8 off 9 balls) were dismissed cheaply.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 53 deliveries, while Alice Capsey contributed 23 off 20 balls. Heather Knight struggled for fluency and managed just two runs from six balls before being dismissed. A late flourish from Freya Kemp, who blasted an unbeaten 44 off 28 deliveries, provided England with much-needed momentum and lifted the total to a competitive 150/4.

Australia's bowlers maintained excellent discipline throughout the innings, keeping the English batters in check with a series of economical spells. Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, captain Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland claimed one wicket apiece as Australia restricted England and laid the foundation for a clinical title-winning victory.