Set to be cheered on by a crowd of 31,180, England, who have never lost a World Cup at home – having won all four in the past – will have a huge task in trying to maintain that record when they face six-time champions Australia, who will be fighting for their record seventh record, in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2026 London World Cup 2026.The two powerhouses of women’s cricket will meet in the title race for the fourth time, having clashed in the finals in 2012, 2014 and 2018. England will be looking to claim their second Women’s T20 World Cup title after winning the inaugural tournament – also at Lord’s – back in 2009, their head coach. Charlotte Edwards he had lifted the trophy as England captain at that time.On the other hand, Australia won the trophy six times in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.After handing England a 16-0 Ashes whitewash at the start of last year, including a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series, Australia will probably have some ideas.On a notable roll under the new captain Sophie Molineuxwho is also their leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps in six matches, Australia thrashed India at Lord’s last Sunday, before defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in their semi-final. Despite being boosted by Phoebe Litchfield’s return from a quad injury in a six-wicket haul against India, the biggest concern for Australia is star batsman Ellyse Perry.The 35-year-old retired during Australia’s semi-final win over the West Indies with a quadriceps injury. However, Perry was well trained on the final evening. For the players, the return of captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt has been a big boost as she scored a match-winning innings of 75 off 47 balls against South Africa. England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been in sparkling form as he is the tournament’s top scorer with 294 runs.
