Australia secured a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating England in a thrilling final at Lord’s, with opener Beth Mooney delivering a match-defining performance that stood out throughout the tournament.
Mooney’s Match-Winning Final Knock
Batting first, England posted 150/4 in 20 overs. In response, Australia suffered an early setback, losing a wicket for just 17 runs. However, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield steadied the innings with a crucial 100-run partnership for the second wicket, shifting momentum firmly in Australia’s favour.
Litchfield contributed a fluent 48 before being dismissed, while Mooney anchored the chase with a composed 64 off 49 balls, guiding Australia towards another World Cup triumph.
Consistent Tournament Performance
Mooney finished the tournament with 238 runs in seven innings, averaging over 47. Her consistent performances across matches, combined with her crucial knock in the final, made her one of the standout batters of the competition.
ICC Recognition and Award Controversy
Following the final, Mooney was named Player of the Match. Reports suggest that the ICC revised its earlier shortlist for Player of the Tournament-where players such as Marizanne Kapp, Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge were initially considered-after Mooney’s decisive impact.
She ultimately secured the Player of the Tournament award, becoming the only cricketer to win the honour twice in Women’s T20 World Cup history, having previously won it in 2020.
She also became the only player to win Player of the Match in multiple Women’s T20 World Cup finals, having earlier achieved the feat in 2023 as well.
Surpassing Records in T20 World Cup Finals
Mooney’s performances across T20 World Cup finals have also placed her at the top of the all-time run charts in finals across both men’s and women’s cricket, with 230 runs in T20 World Cup finals.
She moved ahead of several top names in the format, including Marlon Samuels (163 runs) and Virat Kohli (153 runs), highlighting her exceptional consistency on the biggest stage.
With yet another match-winning performance, Beth Mooney further strengthened her reputation as one of the most reliable batters in ICC tournament history.