To be cheered on by a capacity crowd of 31,180, England, who have never lost a World Cup at home – having won on all four previous occasions – will have a formidable task in hand to try and maintain that impressive record when they face six-time champions Australia, who will be gunning for their record seventh title, in the T2026 World Cup final in London.The two powerhouses of women’s cricket will meet in the title decider for the fourth time, having met in the final in 2012, 2014 and 2018. England will be looking to claim their second Women’s T20 World Cup title after winning the inaugural edition – also at Lord’s – in 2009. Charlotte Edwards he had lifted the trophy as England’s captain during that time.Australia, on the other hand, has lifted the trophy on six occasions in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.After handing England a 16-0 Ashes whitewash Down Under at the start of last year, including a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series, Australia will perhaps have the psychological edge.In a familiar role under a new captain Sophie Molineuxwho is also their leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps in six matches, Australia beat India at Lord’s last Sunday, before thrashing the West Indies by eight wickets in their semi-final. While they were boosted by Phoebe Litchfield’s return from quad injury in the six-wicket win against India, the biggest concern for Australia is the fitness of star all-rounder Ellyse Perry.The 35-year-old had to withdraw injured during Australia’s semi-final win over the West Indies with a quadriceps injury. However, Perry trained well on the eve of the final. For the hosts, the return of the captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt was a big boost, as she was with an innings-winning innings of 75 off 47 balls against South Africa. England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been in scintillating form as she is the highest run-getter of the tournament with 294 runs.
