A full house of 31,180 fans is expected at the iconic venue as England aim to maintain their remarkable record in World Cups at home. The hosts have never lost a World Cup on home soil, having won all four previous editions staged in England.
Standing in their way are six-time champions Australia, who are chasing a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Familiar rivals meet again in final
This will be the fourth Women’s T20 World Cup final between England and Australia. The two sides previously met in the title clashes in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
England are chasing only their second Women’s T20 World Cup crown after winning the inaugural tournament in 2009, which was also played at Lord’s. Current England head coach Charlotte Edwards captained the side to that historic triumph.
Australia, meanwhile, have dominated the competition over the years, winning the trophy in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.
Australia enter final with confidence
Australia will head into the final full of confidence after their commanding performances throughout the tournament.
They also hold a psychological advantage, having handed England a 16-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia at the start of last year, including a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series.
Under new captain Sophie Molineux, Australia have continued their winning run. Molineux has also been their leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets in six matches.
The defending champions booked their place in the final by knocking India out at Lord’s before defeating West Indies by eight wickets in the semifinal.
Australia were boosted by the return of Phoebe Litchfield from a quadriceps injury during the win over India. However, the fitness of experienced all-rounder Ellyse Perry remains a concern after she retired hurt with a quadriceps injury in the semifinal against West Indies. Perry, though, trained on the eve of the final.
England boosted by captain’s return
England have received a major lift with captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt returning to form at the perfect time. She played a match-winning knock of 75 off 47 balls against South Africa to help England reach the final.
Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has also enjoyed an outstanding tournament. She is currently the leading run-scorer in the competition with 294 runs and will once again be key to England’s hopes of lifting the trophy in front of their home crowd.
