ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Flawless Australia are favorites to reach the final but buoyant England will give a tough test at Lord’s | cricket news

Australia secured their place in the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup final with an impressive eight-wicket win to make it six out of six in the tournament – and the smart money will be on them to make it seven in a row in the final.

Sophie Molineux – who took over from the legendary Alyssa Healy after her retirement in March – has led her team to a perfect tournament so far, beating pre-tournament favorites India and fellow semi-finalists South Africa in the group stage and posting a net run-rate higher than any other team at 3.182 points.

The six-time world champions have faced each and every opponent en route to their seventh World Cup final on nine occasions.

Their form begs the question – do England really stand a chance of beating them?

Australia’s strength in form is the key to depth

Australia’s threats – with bat or ball – can come from anywhere.

Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Brooke Halliday and Ash Gardener all sit among the top 20 run scorers in the tournament, although none sit among the top three scorers individually.

Six different players have so far scored 40 or more runs in an innings for Australia, from their openers to No.7 in the order, and seven different players have taken two or more wickets in a game – such is Australia’s strength in depth.

Their semi-final win is a case in point. Ash Gardner, who has struggled with the ball throughout the tournament, stepped up at just the right time, taking West Indies to 59-4 with two overs, having made 59-2 just three balls earlier.

“I think I haven’t really made an impact with the ball in the tournament so it’s nice to save my best for now,” Gardner said after his win. “I was quite inconsistent, but today it worked.

“I think it’s the best cricket we’ve played in a long time. I think I’ve said it before, but we’re not relying on one or two guys, so it’s almost different guys standing up in those big moments, which is amazing to be a part of.”

Does England have any chance?

England have not beaten Australia in any format in nearly three years, with their last win coming on 18 July 2023 during the home Ashes series.

Since then, Australia have claimed eight straight wins against their arch-rivals, including a six-match Ashes whitewash, a group stage victory in the 2025 50-over World Cup and a six-wicket victory in a T20I warm-up for the tournament in June.

England’s semi-final win, though, will be a huge source of optimism as they overcome a similar hoodoo against South Africa, who won by 40 runs after losing two consecutive World Cup semi-finals to the Proteas in 2023 and 2025.

Nasser Hussain believes this “new” England side, fueled by a coaching change and apparently less affected by the stress of past results, has a good chance of ending their barren run against their old foes.

“Do they still really believe they can beat Australia? That’s the first hurdle they have to overcome themselves. There’s no emotional baggage, no mental scars.

“We’re a new England under a new coach and we’re coming to you, Australia.

“Does Australia have any weaknesses? I honestly don’t see many. Their biggest strength, I would say, is that long batting line-up, that they just come at you.

“Can England beat Australia? Of course they can. Who are the favourites? Australia.”

Sciver-Brunt: We can beat Australia

England captain Nat Syver-Brant:

“Well, I think the way we are going about our cricket in this tournament is planned and the way we can beat them.

“Obviously, they’ve got a really long and efficient batting line-up. You don’t just have to take top-order wickets, you have to keep going.

“I think our bowlers are capable of dealing with anything thrown at us.

“Australia are a world-class team who have had a lot of success over the last few years – various Ashes series, home and away, but I think the way is to stand with them and go toe-to-toe.”

Lichfield: England different from whitewash in Ashes

Australian Batter Phoebe Litchfield:

“England have been playing some really good cricket. If you look at the way both teams have played throughout the tournament, you would say that these are the two best teams.

“It feels like a different England to the one we played in (2024/25) Ashes.

“The experience and memories we have against them always stands us in good stead, because I guess we probably rubbed off on them on the green.

“But I think it’s a clean slate; 18 months is a long time, when you look at their leadership, their coaching staff and the way they’re playing the group.

“It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere in here. And I think the fans will come out, regardless of the result, it’s going to be a great match.”

Farrant: Australia is not superhuman

Former England fast bowler Tash Farrant, speaking on Sky Sports:

“They’re not superhuman – but they’re the best team in this tournament so far.

“They are very good at performing under pressure.

“Those who are going to beat Australia have to have the best day.

“We saw them drop a few catches in the last game, so you can create cracks there, but you have to be tough on them to make sure they feel the pressure in the final.”

What next?

Everyone can live stream the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final for free – and without a subscription – on the Sky Sports app. All you need to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports app on your phone or tablet and log in.

Download the Sky Sports app here: iPhone and iPad or Android.

England will face Australia in the final at Lord’s on Sunday. Coverage begins at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 3.30pm). Watch every ball of the Women’s T20 World Cup live exclusively on Sky Sports and now.